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



N. Cucnmber tree. 



Seeds ripening in cones late in fall are removed, with great 

 trouble, by hand. Many seeds lie over. The seedling develops on 

 good soil a very long and strong shaft. For forest planting, 

 Cucumber is used but in patches, mixed with Chestnut and Yellow 

 Poplar. 



O. Yellow Poplar or Tulip Tree. 



Seeds appear annually; of very low germinating percentage. 

 Nature plants the seed between October and May, slowly dis- 

 membering the cone. Seeds may be planted in spring after loose 

 storage. The cones are apt to heat and mould, if tightly packed. 

 The cotyledons (size of a nickel) do not show the typical lack 

 of the tip of the leaf blade. They drop off (in strong seedlings) 

 before July 15th. Seedlings do not suffer from mice. Heavy rains, 

 however, are apt to wash them out of the ground. The young 

 seedling stands a good deal of shade. If deprived of light entirely, 

 it is certain to be killed by the first frost. Seeds cost 15 cents per 

 pound. Large quantities are required for planting, say 50 pounds 

 per acre. The seedling grows fast, at the age of two years it is 

 three feet high, on good soil. "Wliere seeds are planted in the 

 woods, it is necessary to check the weeds, especially on north slopes. 



P. Sassafras. 



It might be planted on poor abandoned fields as usher growth. 

 At Biltmore, seeds gathered in late summer have failed to sprout, 

 whether planted in fall or spring. Tlie fleshy cotyledon is kept 

 below ground at a depth of one and one-half inches. Possibly, the 

 seed must pass through a bird before it can sprout, or the flesh 

 must be removed by hand or by malting. 



Q. Black Cherry. 



Primeval trees are found on fairly rich soil. The Cherry, 

 however, can be easily raised on abandoned fields not better than 

 those at Biltmore. During early youth, until pole stage, mice and 

 rabbits peel the bark badly. The end of the annual shoot is almost 

 always killed in winter. The small purple fruits ripening in early 

 autumn are eagerly eaten by birds. The seeds, after passing 

 through the bird, are scattered all over the woods. The seeds are 

 easily kept over winter, but lie over if kept in a dry condition. A 

 hot-water bath before planting might cause the seeds to germinate 

 speedily. In woods, Cherry should be planted under one-half inch 

 dirt cover, irregularly, Avith full enjoyment of light. Seed 50 cents 

 per pound. The seeds might be planted in rows on abandoned 

 fields in mixture with Pines more cheaply than the seedlings. 



