A :\I E R I C A X SYLVICULTURE 



aggregate size of the cavities corresponding with the quantitj' of 

 seeds to be planted in each rill. 



Hacker's seed planting machine is used, in German forest nurs- 

 eries, on an increasing scale for the seeding of coniferous seeds, 

 be it broadcast, or in rows: A wedge-shaped trough receives the 

 seeds; beneath the wedgepoint is an opening allowing the seeds to 

 drop into the horizontal grooves of a metal wheel; the grooves may 

 be closed, and the dropping of seeds into them thus prevented 

 partiaHy, by a series of brass rings fitted over the wheel; tlie 

 machine is pushed over the seedbed, the wheel is caused to rotate, 

 and the seeds are conveyed by the grooves into the top layer of the 

 soil; two small brushes prevent the seeds from escaping too readily, 

 and also keep the wheel free from dirt. To the right of the seed 

 wheel is a small roller, which presses the seeds into the ground, or 

 else levels the surface of the bed to be planted. 



Advantages of rill planting: 



I. Economy in seed. 



II. Stronger plants of more compact form grown at proper 

 intervals apart. 



III. Economy in manure. 



IV. Seeds put at proper depth. 



V. The foot of plantlet can be easily covered with moss or 

 leaves. 



VI. Weeding is made easy. 



Unless experienced help can be had. rill-planting is certainly 

 preferable to broad-casting. Undoubtedly, however, insects, mice 

 and moles following the rills do greater damage in rill than in broad- 

 cast planting. 



The quantity of seed per square foot of seed bed depends on 

 the number of seeds in a pound; the germinating percentage; the 

 quality of soil; the number of years which the seedling is meant 

 to stay in the beds; rapidity of growth. Oak 2% of a quart; 

 Beech and Chestnut, 4% of a quart; Locust, Ash, Maple, Elm, Birch, 

 30 grains; Alders, 45 grains; Fir, 150 grains; Yellow Pine, 15 

 grains; Spruce, 20 grains, 'J'amarack, 30 grains; avoirdupois — all 

 per square foot. 



The figures given are illustrations, not prescriptions. 



Heavy seeds (nuts) are usually dibbled in, with a "dibbling 

 board." 



90 



