A M E R I C A N S Y L V I C U L T U R E 



same practice wliioh is now remuneiative abroad must prove paying 

 in tiiis country; possibly more paying for the .reason that the value 

 of the soil on which the growing crop must yield an annual dividend 

 is abroad about ten times as high as it is in the United States. 



II. An expense for taxes and administration is incurred annually 

 by the forest owner, whether the ground is kept fully or only 

 partly stocked; hence it seems a remunerative venture to — at least — 

 reinforce natural regeneration by artificial planting. 



III. The growth of weeds naturally plentiful in primeval con- 

 ditions cannot be overcome unless radical artificial remedies are 

 adopted. 



C. On the otlier hand, tlie following objections to planting 

 must be considered: 



I. As long as the American forest is much endangered by fire, it 

 is unwise to invest any money in young growth for which the 

 danger of destruction by fire is excessive. 



II. Trees of a condition now considered "weeds" may gradually 

 attain a stumpage value (as Chestnut at Biltmore). 



III. Even European forestry is now reverting to a natural propa- 

 gation of forests owing to the dangers usually inherent to artificial 

 planting. 



D. Definitions. 



The word reforestation is used if the area to be planted has 

 been previously occupied by tree growth. 



The word afforestation is used if there was no tree growth on- 

 the plot for a number of years beforehand. 



The term " direct seeding " is applied, by the Forest Service of 

 the United States, to reforestation in all cases where the seeds are 

 planted precisely on those sites in which the trees are meant to be 

 raised. 



Direct seeding is distinguished from indirect seeding or seeding 

 in nurseries. In the latter case, the seeds are planted within forest 

 nurseries, on seedbeds. The seedlings raised in the nurseries are 

 planted (" Qutplanted ") on those sites wliich the trees are meant 

 to re-stock. 



Paragraph X. The Seed. 



The (juality of seeds is shown by their size, weight, color, scent. 

 A tree standing in an open position, not too young and not too old,. 

 ]iroduces the best seeds. 



48 



