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mendation of species for forest planting is usually based primarily 

 upon the natural forest of similar sites in a locality. In the case of 

 the Frick lands, however, the character of some of the land is modi- 

 fied by the breaking of the surface due to mining. 



THE PLAN. 



A preliminary examination of the site proposed for forest planting 

 resulted in the rejection of about 270 acres on account of the near- 

 ness of coke ovens. A planting plan was made for approximately 456 

 acres of waste land of two general classes : ( 1) Unproductive agricul- 

 tural land, and (2) areas modified by mining. 



For the first class mentioned species of trees were chosen for plant- 

 ing which formerly grew well on these sites. For example, on sites 

 suitable only for white oak or chestnut oak, respectively, these species 

 were recommended for planting. Red oak, chestnut, and yellow 

 poplar were chosen for their natural situations. 



A study of the sites modified by mining showed that the quickened 

 drainage rendered the soil drier and hence more suitable for species 

 naturally occupying the more shallow dry soils of the upper slopes. 

 White oak land thus modified was suitable for planting red oak, and 

 in some instances chestnut and chestnut oak. 



Two species, the European larch and hardy catalpa, which are not 

 native to this region, were recommended for planting. The European 

 larch is a quick-growing conifer adapted to this region. The wood is 

 strong and durable, suitable for ties, poles, fence posts, and pit props. 

 The tree requires a well-drained but not necessarily fertile soil, and 

 should do well on some of the sites modified by mining. It has been 

 grown successfully in Illinois and other States. 



The western or hardy catalpa was recommended for trial on 3 acres 

 to test its value for the region. It grows quickly to post size and is 

 very durable. If it proves successful, this will be an important tree 

 for the production of fence posts and pit props. It has been grown 

 successfully in Ohio. This tree requires a fertile, well-drained soil of 

 moderate depth and a carefully selected site is of primary importance. 



The following is a summary of the acreage and the species recom- 

 mended : 



Acres. 



Red oak HO 



Red oak and chestnut 122 



Red oak and hard maple 79 



Red oak and European larch 



Red oak and yellow poplar (tuliptree) 



Chestnut oak (rock oak) 24 



White oak Si 



European larch 25 



Yellow poplar 



Hardy catalpa (western catalpa) 



456 



