Growing and Planting Hardwood Seedlings. H 



distinct advantages : The stock has a whole growing season in which 

 to become established before it is subjected to the rigors of winter; 

 and it is not in immediate danger of being heaved out of the ground 

 by alternate freezing and thawing. If there is no great danger of the 

 seeds being disturbed by rodents during the winter, fall is the prefera- 

 ble season for direct sowing of the seed of nut-bearing trees and of 

 the oaks. When this danger exists, spring sowing is advisable. 



SPACING OF TREES IN PLANTATION. 



If timber is the primary object of a plantation, rather close spacing 

 is advisable. This method produces trees with straight bodies and 

 few branches, and hence of high lumber value. If the primary object 



FiGc 6. Osage orange windbreak, 12 years old. Monroe County, Iowa. 



is protection, close spacing in the rows and wide spacing between 

 them is best; for it will produce trees with some branches extending 

 nearly to the ground, and hence will give the greatest protective 

 efficiency. The actual spacing desirable for these two purposes de- 

 pends upon the characteristics of the tree, upon the region, and upon 

 the area or site to be planted. Trees which grow well in shade, such 

 as hard maple and beech, may be planted more closely than those 

 which require abundant light, such as cottonwood and yellow pop- 

 lar. On situations which because of poor soil are unfavorable to tree 

 growth, closer spacing is advisable than on more favorable situations. 

 The greater number of trees to the acre will compensate for the higher 

 mortality soon after they are set out, and, through the greater amount 

 of shade furnished, will afford better protection to the soil. In regions 

 of little rainfall there will not be sufficient moisture to support a dense 



