REFORESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS. 9 



a small amount of seed is to be stored, a large drain pipe set in 

 the ground with the bottom covered with fine mesh wire is very 

 convenient, the seed being layered inside the pipe, to protect it 

 from rodents. A wooden box used instead of the drain pipe will 

 answer the purpose very well, and make it easier to remove the 

 seed in the spring. 



Site for a Nursery. 



A level, well-drained site should be selected for a nursery, the 

 soil being preferably a sandy loam, not subject to washing and 

 free from stones. It is also well to select a plot near the house, 

 where it will be convenient to take care of, and offer some pro- 

 tection from birds and rodents, which often destroy the seed 

 after it has been planted. A small plot in the garden will be 

 well suited for the purpose. 



Preparation for the Seed Beds. 



The land to be used for the seed beds should first be well 

 plowed and harrowed till the soil is pulverized. A small amount 

 of well-rotted barn-yard manure, free from weed seeds, may be 

 used to advantage. The beds should then be laid out, the most 

 convenient size being a bed 4 feet wide and any convenient 

 length, with walks 2 feet wide between the beds. If the surface 

 soil retains water it will be well to raise the bed a few inches 

 above the walk, and have it about 1 inch higher in the center 

 than on the sides. This will give the moisture a chance to drain 

 off. After the beds have been made up they should be raked 

 over with an iron rake till all small stones and lumps have been 

 removed and the soil thoroughly pulverized. The beds are then 

 ready for the seed, which may be planted in drills or sown 

 broadcast. 



Time to plant Seed. 



As a rule, the seed should be planted in the spring, as soon 

 as the ground has warmed up a little, it being generally advisable 

 to plant the seed in drills, to facilitate cultivating the seedlings. 

 If planted broadcast, the seedling growing near the middle of 

 the bed will be limited for light and space. 



