PROPAGATION. 



Red cedar reproduces only by seed, which the pistillate trees bear in 

 great abundance. Plantations should be started from nursery-grown 

 trees and not from seed sown directly on the permanent site. 



The seed germinates with difficulty, and seedlings, when a few 

 weeks old, are subject to a fungus disease which occasionally causes 

 heavy loss; hence the planter, unless he desires several thousand 

 trees, should buy his stock rather than attempt to raise it himself. 



Nursery-grown plants are generally rather expensive, but in many 

 localities wild seedlings may be collected locally or purchased from 

 dealers. These seedlings, if not large enough for planting, should be 

 set out in the home nursery, there to remain for one or two years, 

 when, having reached a height of from 10 to 12 inches, they will be 

 of suitable size for permanent planting. 



The seeds are inclosed in a globular, purplish-black berry, which is 

 covered with a silvery bloom. These berries contain from 1 to 2 seeds 

 each and mature in the fall of the first year, frequently remaining on 

 the tree until late in the following spring. The berries should be col- 

 lected late in the fall, or whenever they are thoroughly ripened. Once 

 collected, the berries should be soaked for three or four weeks in cold 

 water, until the pulp of the berry has rotted. The seed should then be 

 separated from the pulp, mixed with sand, and kept moist until spring. 

 Sowing may safely begin when garden vegetables are being planted. 

 Seed beds are best made in fine, loamy soil, moderately fresh, but 

 always well drained. For convenient cultivation they should be 

 about 4 by 12 feet in size, and separated by a path 2 feet wide. The 

 seed should be sown in drills 6 inches apart, and lightly covered with 

 fine earth. One pound of seed will sow about 640 linear feet of seed 

 drills, or about 320 square feet of surface. 



After the seed bed is completed the surface should be " firmed " 

 with a board or light roller. Some of the seed may not germinate 

 until the second season. 



Like those of most conifers, the plants will require artificial shade 

 during the first season; after this they can stand full sunlight. In 

 the spring of the second season the seedlings should be transplanted 

 into nursery rows 18 inches apart with 5 inches space between the 

 plants. By the end of the second year the plants will be 7 or 8 

 inches high, and well rooted. At the opening of the third season, 

 usually in March or April, it is best to transplant again in the 

 nursery, with 8 or 9 inches spacing. 



PLANTING. 



The plants should be from 10 to 12 inches high when set out in the 

 permanent site. If they have been purchased from a nurseryman 



tCir. 73] 



