THE FOREST NURSERY 99 



above the surface, and if necessary cover the open spaces 

 with loose laths. The loose laths can be removed from time 

 to time as germination progresses or conditions demand, so 

 that by the time the plants begin to show aboveground only 

 one half of the sunlight is shut off, and the screens should 

 then be shifted. If the soil continues moist, no screens are 

 necessary to aid germination, and none would be needed 

 near the surface unless to protect from the birds, but if put 

 on at any time they should be removed as soon as the plants 

 begin to break through the surface. This method protects 

 the seed-beds from drying winds and bright sunlight until 

 germination takes place, and until the roots of the plants 

 can obtain moisture from the soil. Also, it shields the seeds 

 from the light in the beginning a consideration which 

 seems to be quite important, although the reason appears 

 to be somewhat obscure and protects them from birds. 



Protecting from Bright Sunlight. As soon as conifer- 

 ous seedlings begin to show aboveground the screens should 

 be placed on the blocks that have been nailed to the stakes, 

 in which position they will protect the young plants from 

 the burning rays of the sun. Broadleaf trees do not, as a 

 rule, require shading. Judgment must be exercised in hand- 

 ling the screens, for no specific rules can govern all con- 

 ditions which changing atmospheric phenomena may bring 

 about. There is no need for them on a cloudy day, or when 

 it rains, unless an exceptionally heavy fall occurs, when 

 they will serve to carry off a part of it. It is advisable to 

 remove them during warm, cloudy, and moderately wet 

 weather to avoid disease. They must also be removed to 

 permit weeding, cultivation, and, in most cases, watering. 

 There is little or no need of them after the first year, and 

 they can be removed by the last of September and carefully 

 stored away for next year's use. The screens provide a par- 

 tial shade which the tender plants demand, and, to a limited 

 extent, prevent evaporation of moisture from the surface 

 of the beds. The benefits resulting from their use far more 

 than equal the expenditure of time and money. 



