ECONOMIC USES. 



The wood, which is light, strong, dense, and moderately durable, is 

 the most valuable one of the Rocky Mountains and the most exten- 

 sively used. Because of its dense foliage and ability to grow in close 

 stands, the tree forms an excellent watershed cover. 



PROPAGATION. 



Western yellow pine reproduces only from seed. Natural repro- 

 duction is abundant wherever there are old trees. The cones ripen 

 in the fall of the second year, and the seeds can be kept over winter 

 in any dry, cool place, and can be preserved several years with only a 

 moderate loss of vitality. 



Like most pines, the tree has a strong taproot, which in most situ- 

 ations penetrates to a considerable depth. 



PLANTING. 



In planting western yellow pine it is best to use trees from 2 to 

 3 years old which have been raised in nursery beds from seed planted 

 in early spring. Because of the tendency to develop a long taproot 

 it is necessary to transplant the seedlings in the spring when 1 year 

 old to nursery rows, or to root prune them in the beds. This last 

 plan is more economical and is advisable where a large number of 

 seedlings are grown. 



The young trees should be set out in their permanent places in 

 April or early in May. They may be planted either in furrows or in 

 holes made with a spade or mattock. As a rule the trees should be 

 spaced from 5 to 6 feet apart each way. If success is to be attained, 

 great care is necessary in protecting the roots from the air and in 

 packing the soil down firmly around them. 



It is usually best to plant western yellow pine in pure stands. 



Additional details as to planting can be found in the planting leaf- 

 lets, How to Transplant Forest Trees and How to Pack and Ship 

 Young Trees. 



CULTIVATION AND CARE. 



In many localities of the West where western yellow pine is 

 planted, cultivation until the trees are thoroughly established will 

 be very beneficial. Fire and stock should be kept out of the planta- 

 tion, and it should be allowed to assume the character of a forest 

 as soon as possible. Further information can be found in the plant- 

 ing leaflet on How to Cultivate and Care for Forest Plantations on 

 the Semiarid Plains. 



Approved. 



JAMES WILSON, 



Secretary, 

 WASHINGTON, D. C., November 24, 1906. 



[Cir. 72] 



