RED GUM 343 



There do not seem to be any reasonable grounds for 

 attempting artificial reforestation. The tree has a pro- 

 nounced tap-root when not growing in wet ground. This 

 will prevent growing trees profitably in a nursery and 

 transplanting into the forest. It is a frequent and prolific 

 seeder, but the seedlings are so intolerant of shade that 

 natural regeneration takes place slowly, and indications are 

 that land must be thoroughly cleared to have that occur 

 satisfactorily. In fact, natural regeneration fails except 

 along the borders of open fields. Add to this the further 

 fact that much of the land on which it grows can be ren- 

 dered suitable for agriculture, and, if not, will grow more 

 valuable trees, like Black Walnut, White Ash, and Yellow 

 Poplar, and it will not appear advisable to undertake its 

 cultivation beyond natural processes. While its lumber is 

 largely used at present, mainly because of a shortage of 

 better kinds, it is n'ot such as to command a high price in 

 market. 



