HOW TO GROW A FOREST FROM SEED 



105 



The more a small tree is successfully transplanted the greater 

 the tendency it has to form a ball of fibrous roots called the 

 root ball about its base. 



{/) Dista?zce apai't for trees to sta?id. 



There is much discussion at present as to what is the proper 

 distance to set young seedlings or transplants. Naturally, 

 the greater the number the greater the expense. The object 

 in setting them closely at first is to induce the plants to grow 

 upright, and also to kill the lower limbs, thus making the 

 better grade of lumber. While this is highly desirable it can 



Fig. 9. Nature's slow method of reclaiming forest lands. 



be carried too far. Even if the plants come up thickly from 

 seed in nature some must die to enable others to survive. 

 The struggle for existence is continually going on. Nature's 

 methods, however, are slow, and we assist much when we 

 thin at the proper time, thus giving the remainder more food 

 and an opportunity to develop. Some claim that pines should 

 be set at least as close as 4x4 feet while others place them as 

 far apart as 10x10 feet. VVe find advocates for both in New 

 Hampshire, and their results will be watched with much 

 interest. Taking into consideration that the former will take 

 2,722 trees to set an acre and the latter only 435, one can 

 readily see the first expense will be vastly different. 



