THE FOREST NURSERY 



301 



should be removed as soon as danger from severe spring frosts is 

 over. If left on during an extended period of warm spring 

 weather, the plants "scald" and are seriously injured or killed. 



In many permanent nurseries, mulch has been replaced, in recent 

 years, by burlap for the winter protection of coniferous seedbeds. 

 When purchased in large quantities it is usually less expensive 

 than mulch, because of the rapidity with which it can be placed 

 over the beds and later removed. It is effective in protecting 

 the seedlings from being thrown by the frost and there is less 

 danger of the plants being injured by scalding, or by mice and 



FIG. 75. One-year coniferous seedlings in winter condition covered with 

 burlap. One bed uncovered to show the seedlings. 



other rodents forming nests and working in the seedbeds during 

 the winter. 



A single thickness of burlap is spread over the beds, preferably 

 after a light fall of snow, and tacked to the curb at the side or 

 held in place by pegs. If it is removed after all danger of severe 

 spring frosts is over and before there has been a period of warm 

 weather, the seedlings will be found in the same condition as when 

 covered (Fig. 75). 



36. Approximate Size of i-Year Seedlings. One-year stock 

 varies greatly in size, depending upon the species, season, soil, 

 climate, and density of stocking. The following table gives the 



