

THE FOREST NURSERY 93 



and Drill Sowing (sowing in rows). Nearly all the con- 

 iferous and some of the broadleaf seeds can be sown broad- 

 cast, and all species can be sown in drills. The moist 

 weed seeds lying in the ground will invariably germinate 

 sooner than the dry tree seeds, and the weeds, being much 

 more rapid growers than the trees, will, if present in large 

 numbers, suppress the seedling trees unless the weeds are 

 promptly removed on their appearance. Neither weeding 

 with any implement nor cultivation of the surface can be 

 engaged in if broadcast sowing is adopted, but drill sowing 

 will permit this to be done between the rows with small 

 hoes or hand weeders. It also permits cultivation, which 

 at times is very important. 



Broadcast Sowing. The reasons which govern in 

 adopting broadcast sowing are : Greater yield on the same 

 area, doing away with the labor of weeding and cultivation, 

 and a more vigorous growth of seedlings. The first two 

 reasons named need not be questioned if the ground is free 

 from weed seeds, and the last one appears to be based on 

 fact, but it is difficult to show why it is so. It is probable, 

 however, that the more complete shading of the ground 

 afforded by the crowns of the seedlings, when standing 

 close together, prevents evaporation and provides a condi- 

 tion somewhat like that of the forest floor under older trees. 

 Aside from the claim that a more vigorous growth of seed- 

 lings results from broadcast sowing, the fact that a greater 

 yield from a given area can be secured by this system 

 should receive favorable consideration ; and especially so if 

 the ground is not seriously filled with weed seeds. If it is 

 so filled the cost for labor in removing the weeds, and the 

 consequent injury to the little seedlings by such removal 

 for they will doubtless stand so close that pulling up 

 the weeds will destroy more or less of the seedlings will 

 more than counterbalance the increased yield and any real 

 or fancied vigor of growth. If weeds are allowed to grow 

 in a dense stand of seedlings they will not only rob the 

 soil of its food and moisture, but overtop and suppress the 



