THE ART OF THE SECOND GROWTH 



cheaply, located on suitable ground at good shipping points, enjoy- 

 ing many years' close acquaintance with the needs of Sylviculture, 

 have supplied the various German forest administrations with cheap 

 plants of a superior grade. The Biltmore Estate has often obtained 

 plants raised by Heins Sons, Halstenbeek, near Hamburg, notably 

 Wliite Pines, which have been very successful in spite of a six- 

 weeks' voyage. On the other hand, American tree nurseries usually 

 prepare plants but for ornamental purposes and not with a view of 

 fostering the development of the tree bole. 



Since the rangers and the helpers in forest planting should 

 know the sylvicultural needs of the seedlings, it is surely wise to 

 offer them object lessons at home through self-administered 

 nurseries. 



C. Nurseries proper, in charge of the ranger. 



Where mice ai-e much feared the niu'series should be sur- 

 rounded by a deep, straight- walled ditch. Fences are made of 

 wire, lath, rails, etc., differing in material, strength, height and 

 fineness of mesh according to the enemies locally dreaded. 



Proper nurseries yield the largest percentage of seedlings from 

 a given quantity of seeds. The seedlings raised therein have a 

 better, more compact and more fibrous root system than wild plants. 

 Expensive and exacting species should always be raised in " forest 

 gardens." 



There may be distinguished: 



Nurseries under tree cover. 



Shifting nurseries. 



Permanent nurseries. 



I.. Nurseries under tree cover form the exception, being required 

 only for the production of seedlings of tender species; notably of 

 Hemlock, Hard Maple, Beech. The nursery is formed by a pole- 

 wood heavily thinned and dug over with the spade. Here Beech- 

 nuts are planted broadcast or in furrows and the seedlings removed 

 ■when two years old, without transplanting. Hard Maple and Hem- 

 lock should be raised as in open nurseries. 



It is a noteworthy fact that broad-leaved kinds often thrive 

 best under conifers (Oak and Beech under Pine) and conifers best 

 under broad-leafed kinds (Spruce best under Beech, Maple, Birch). 

 None but theoretical explanations can be given for this observation, 

 the best explanation being the difference in the enemies attacking 

 such species. 



Objections to nurseries under tree cover: 



a. Soil preparation is costly and insufficient. 

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