(3) With the high shade-frame system, it is occasionally necessary to 

 remove part or all of the lath inclosure from the beds to admit free 

 circulation of air. This is necessary, however, only under exceptional 

 circumstances. 



CULTIVATING AND WEEDING. 



(1) Seedlings should be cultivated often, in order to subdue weeds, 

 stimulate growth, and keep the soil in good condition. Cultivation 

 should be shallow and should pulverize the soil thoroughly. 



(2) Cultivation should be given after rains, or when the soil shows 

 signs of baking or drying. This can be done either with a narrow hoe 

 or with a small rake made of nails. An onion hoe is good for the 

 purpose. 



(3) When " damping off " occurs, the soil should be stirred frequently 

 to hasten surface drying. If this precaution and that of removing the 

 shade frames is taken, a serious attack of u damping off" can often be 

 arrested. 



(4) Weeds should never be permitted to grow in the seed beds. 

 Failure to remove weeds will seriously impair the vigor of the seed- 

 lings. Weeds that are not destro} r ed by cultivating should be pulled 

 up and not cut off with a hoe. 



MULCHING. 



(1) Where the winters are severe it is advisable to mulch the seed 

 beds to protect the seedlings from injury by cold drying winds, as 

 well as to keep the ground from heaving in the spring. Where snow 

 remains on the ground all winter, mulching is unnecessary. 



(2) Any substance such as leaves, straw, or moss which is free from 

 weed seed will serve as a mulch. A layer from 3 to 4 inches deep is 

 sufficient. The mulch can be held in place by laying sticks or strips 

 of boards across the beds between the rows. It should be removed at 

 the beginning of the growing season, else the seedlings will be retarded 

 and weakened. 



TRANSPLANTING. a 



(1) Practically all evergreen seedlings should be transplanted to open 

 nursery rows when one or two years old. 



(2) Transplanting should be done in the spring when the soil is in 

 good workable condition, but before new growth begins. 



(3) The area used for transplants should be near the seed beds and 

 on good soil. It should be prepared as thoroughly as for a garden. 



(4) A convenient width for transplant beds is 6 feet, with any con- 

 venient length. They should be elevated, but only slightly, since beds 

 which are too high dry out rapidly. 



(5) The rows should be 8 inches apart, and should run across the 

 Beds. The seedlings should be set from 2 to 4 inches apart in the 

 rows, the exact distance depending upon the size of the plants. 



o See Bui. 29, "The Forest Nursery;" also Circular 61. 



