GROWING TREES FROM SEED 



By C. R. PETTIS, 



Superintendent of State Fobests of New York. 



CHE idea of reforesting land is, at present, most popular and there is 

 a rapidly increasing demand for information how to best undertake the 

 work. In the eastern states where conifers with shallow root systems 

 will be most generally planted, the best method is to plant small trees grown 

 in a nursery. On account of the importance of the conifers, hardwoods will 

 not be discussed in this article. The size and kind of tree to be used will 

 depend upon soil, demands of the owners and other circumstances, but the 

 method will be the same. 



The first step in any reforesting operations will be securing the stock, and 

 as the money is invested for a long period the cost of such plants should be 

 carefully considered. There are certain kinds of trees that can be purchased 

 abroad and imported apparently much cheaper than they can be secured in 

 this country, but this is in the long run rarely, if ever true, of forest planting 

 stock. The state of New York has imported a large quantity of various 

 species and planted them. These plantations at first appeared satisfactory, 

 but later examination showed that they are, in some cases, affected with 

 serious diseases, and in others the per cent of loss is very high on account 

 of the long transit and other factors. The quality of the stock is also a 

 factor in considering price and final success. The stronger and thriftier the 

 tree the more successful the plantation. 



If any owner desires to plant but a few acres each year it will be more 

 advantageous for him to secure stock from his state forest commission, if 

 it is in a position to supply him, or from a reliable nurseryman. Any 

 successful nursery operated at reasonable cost requires a large annual output 

 and experienced supervision. The most economical method for any small 

 planter who desires to use transplants will be to purchase seedlings and then 

 transplant them at home, thus reducing packing and transportation charges 

 in the first instance, and having any advantage of local labor for their care. 

 He will also be assured of the quantity desired when wanted. 



Four things are essential for a successful nursery: (1) good soil; (2) 

 good seeds; (3) a water supply; and (4) proper methods. 



The soil should be a rich loam, free from stone, thoroughly cultivated, 

 preferably with garden crops before using, well fertilized, well drained, and 

 with sufficient slope to effect surface drainage. The better the soil the more 

 vigorous and larger the plants. The absence of stones facilitates trans- 

 planting and tends to reduce expenses. Previous cultivation, if the weeds 

 have not been allowed to mature seeds, decreases the weeding. The produc- 

 tion per acre is so large that any soil can be profitably used. 



Good seeds are absolutely necessary because no matter how carefully 

 all the other work may be done, satisfactory seed beds cannot be secured 

 without seeds of high germination per cent and full of energy. Seeds should 

 be purchased only after examining samples. Good seeds are heavy, rich 



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