METHODS OF PROPAGATION. 



Black cherry reproduces itself by seed and sprouts. Seed is borne 

 abundantly every year and furnishes the better method of propaga- 

 tion. It ripens in late August or early September and may be col- 

 lected by hand from trees growing in the open. After the pulp has 

 been removed by crushing, the pits should be stratified in moist sand 

 for the winter. Since the seedlings are easily transplanted, it is 

 better to raise nursery stock of this species than to attempt direct 

 seeding on the planting site. In the spring the seeds should be 

 planted 2 to 3 inches apart, in drills 8 to 12 inches apart for hand 

 cultivation or 2 to 3 feet apart for horse cultivation. The seed 

 should not be covered more than 1 inch and should always be planted 

 immediately after they are removed from the sand, because even a 

 partial drying at this stage is fatal. 



PLANTING. 



The transfer to the permanent site may be made in the spring, 

 when the trees are 1 year old. They will then have a height of from 

 8 to 12 inches. A desirable spacing is 4 feet by 6 feet or 6 feet each 

 way. The tree, however, is better adapted for mixed than for pure 

 planting. In a mixture the best species for planting with the black 

 cherry .are boxelder, green ash, white ash, silver maple, and black 

 walnut. 



CULTIVATION AND CARE. 



Frequent and thorough cultivation is essential for two or three 

 years. If cultivation is neglected, weeds and grass will thrive to 

 the detriment of the plantation. When the trees become very much 

 crowded, thinnings should be made in order to give the best trees 

 ample space for development. 



[Cir. 94] 



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