13 



One may well be thankful if, when the supply of fuel gets low, he 

 can go into his woodlot and cut a load without expense instead of 

 hauling high-priced coal from the distant town. 



The choice of species for a woodlot depends somewhat upon the 

 location. Trees that grow rapidly, and at the same time produce 

 good wood, are, of course, preferable. If they also sprout from the 

 stumps, a little care will maintain the supply indefinitely. Where it 

 succeeds, the black locust combines these desirable qualities in the 

 highest degree, and, as mentioned further on, a proper method of 

 handling will generally enable good results to be obtained despite 

 the troublesome borer. The Osage orange also is an excellent tree 

 for the woodlot. Its wood is exceedingly durable, and the sprout 

 growth abundant. While it grows more slowly than the locust, it 

 is hardier, and is free from borers, so that it can be given more time 

 in which to develop. Green ash, Russian mulberry, and hardy 

 catalpa are also good trees for the woodlot, though the range of the 

 last is more restricted than that of the other species. 



A mixture of species is often advantageous. By its use differences 

 in habits of growth and ability to withstand shade can be made to 

 assist the development of trees of good form, and at the same time the 

 owner can have both fast and slow growing trees and a wider choice 

 of timber for varying needs. A mixed plantation of hardy catalpa 

 and Osage orange or Russian mulberry has been found to be valuable, 

 since the catalpa forces the Osage orange and mulberry to grow 

 rapidly upward in order to obtain light, while itself shedding its 

 lower branches in the denser shade of its neighbor sooner than it 

 would if it grew by 'itself. 



DETAILS OF PLANTING. 

 CONIFERS. 



The best time for the planting of forest trees is in the spring, just 

 before growth starts. This is also the best time for pruning, which 

 usually accompanies transplanting. Many people hold to the idea 

 that evergreens should be set out in June or August. Evergreens 

 can be successfully transplanted at any season of the year, provided 

 sufficient care is taken. Coniferous trees transpire only one-tenth 

 to one-sixth as much water as the broadleaf species; consequently 

 their roots are not called upon to furnish such great quantities of 

 water to the thirsty leaves before getting established in the new 

 abode. For this reason pines and cedars do not require trimming 

 back when set, and the time of the year is less important than with 

 other species. Nevertheless, the best time for transplanting any tree 

 is the dormant period. 



[Cir. 161.] 



