PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE . 417 



In order that such an incredible quantity of lumber should be obtained in a 

 small area, the trees must stand very thickly. They must also be of large girth, 

 perfectly straight, to avoid waste in sawing, and reach high up from the ground. 



While it is not expected that such enormous growths may be obtained in every 

 locality, yet it forcibly illustrates our argument as to close and systematic planting. 



In a state of nature, where these dense thickets occur, the main stem of each 

 reaches upward to the light, while the side branches, crowded, for want of sun- 

 shine, die and fall to the ground. A comparatively small number of the trees, 

 stronger than the others, push their heads above the weaker and smother them 

 out, so that only as many as can find nourishment and sunlight remain. "The 

 survival of the fittest." 



The object of close planting is twofold : by crowding the tops into a 

 compact shape we may prevent the formation of numerous side branches along 

 the lower trunk, thus enabling it to grow into a long, upright stem, while the forest 

 makes a quick shade so dense that herbage cannot grow to smother the young trees. 



As soon as this has been accomplished, thinnings should be made at once, 

 by cutting out the surplus plants, in order that the roots of the permanent trees 

 may have ample room to spread, otherwise those which are of a temporary char- 

 peter greatly interfere with the nourishment and growth of the ones which are to 

 remain and they are dwarfed thereby. 



This is especially important where moisture is deficient, whether from ex- 

 cessive drainage, as in gravelly soils, or steep hillsides, or from light rainfalls, as 

 the intermediate trees continue to absorb the moisture needed for the full devel- 

 opment of the permanent plant. 



If the land to be occupied by wood is rough, hilly or mountainous this plan, 

 \vhich is only suggestive, may be modified at will. The planting of young forest 

 trees is rapidly accomplished. With a thorough preparation of the soil by plow- 

 ing and harrowing, it is laid off one way by running deep furrows. 



One person carrying plants drops them at proper intervals, depending upon 

 the kind of trees, quantity of plants on hand and system adopted. Another per- 

 son follows with a shovel, covering and straightening it, moving rapidly along the 

 row : or, if nuts or seeds are used the furrows should be shallow, and seed covered 

 very lightly if they are small. 



Evergreens require very careful treatment for a few years, the seed bed 

 shaded and sheltered, and if the young seedlings are transplanted often it is better. 

 as the roots are shortened with each transplantation, giving them an abundance 

 of fibrous roots when they are to be finally set in permanent forest. 



As this all requires special knowledge and care, no one should attempt grow- 

 ing evergreens from seed who is not thoroughly acquainted with the nursery busi- 

 ness, but trees transplanted should be purchased of some reliable nursery. 



Trees which have grown several years in the native forest usually have long, 

 slender roots, and but few of them. When such trees are removed but little of the 

 root is secured, and a very large percentage of such trees die in a few weeks. 



As small trees are so very cheap it is far better to purchase the nursery 

 grown, although it is often expedient to procure very young trees from native 

 woods where natural seed beds are provided, and seed is difficult to gather. These 

 deciduous seedlings often succeed admirably. 



