METHODS OF PROPAGATION. 



The Scotch pine grows from seed, which it produces abundantly 

 every two or three years; hence plantations must come from seed- 

 lings or from seed sown on the permanent site. Seed should be pur- 

 chased abroad, preferably from Russia or 'Scandinavia, since experi- 

 ence has taught that trees grown from such seeds are, as a rule, 

 hardier and produce timber of better quality than trees grown from 

 seed collected in Germany. 



Direct seeding is not usually successful ; hence, in establishing the 

 plantation, the use of nursery-grown seedlings is recommended. The 

 nursery should be located on high, well-drained ground of moderate 

 fertility. When thoroughly prepared, the ground should be laid out 

 in seed beds 4 by 12 feet in size, separated by paths 18 inches wide. 



Seed should be sown in drills 4 inches apart running across the bed. 

 They should be sown thickly 25 to 30 per linear foot and covered 

 with no more than one- fourth of an inch of fine earth. In a pound 

 there are nearly 75,000 seeds, or enough to plant 2,500 linear feet of 

 seed rows, covering about 1,260 square feet of nursery space. At least 

 37,000 seedlings can be grown from 1 pound of seed. After planting, 

 the entire surface of the bed should be " firmed." During the first 

 season the young trees demand partial shade, such as is furnished by 

 the common lath nursery screen. After this they require no protec- 

 tion from the full sunshine. 



Seedlings may be left in the nursery from one to three years. If 

 two or three year old stock is desired, the plants, to secure proper 

 root development, should, when one year old, be transplanted into 

 nursery rows. The transplanted trees should stand at intervals of 4 

 inches in rows 6 inches apart. 



PLANTING. 



Although for favorable situations younger plant material may be 

 suitable, the use of three-year-old transplants is advised. At this age 

 the young trees will have reached a height of from 9 to 12 inches and 

 formed a vigorous root system capable of immediately establishing 

 the tree. 



In the plantation the trees may be spaced from 4 to 6 feet apart 

 each way, depending upon the quality of the site. On somewhat 

 unfavorable situations the closer planting is advisable, but usually 

 planting 5 by 5 feet apart is best. To secure proper form develop- 

 ment, the trees require considerable crowding while young; hence 

 wide planting should never be practiced. 



Scotch pine may be grown pure or mixed. It should never be 

 associated with heavy- foliaged trees of equal or more rapid growth. 



[Cir. 68] 



