36 , MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



Another source of annoyance in fall planted seed beds is the field 

 mice, not from the aniovmt of seed which they consume, but due 

 to the fact that they burrow around, cross and criss-cross, over the 

 surface of the newly made beds, causing a condition that results in 

 uneven gertnination in the spring of the year. This trouble can 

 be easily averted by plowing all of the land surrounding the seed 

 bed area. These little mice will not run very far across open 

 plowed ground, while they will travel a great distance if given pro- 

 tective covering of grass and weeds. 



Accurate Records. It is very important that accurate, complete 

 and detailed records are kept covering all steps taken. This will 

 show exactly what has been accomplished and the reasons for 

 success or failure. Unless these records are kept, year after year, 

 the grower is working in the dark. 



Summing tip Groicmg of Conifer Seedlings. In summing up the 

 points to keep in mind, the following stand out as the most 

 important: 



(1st) Good seed. 



(2nd) Well-drained soil. 



(3rd) Proper amount of shade to prevent sun-burning. 



(4th) Plenty of water when the seed is germinating. 



(5th) Keep the beds free from weeds. 



(6th) Winter protection, to prevent heaving. 



(7th) Accurate records. 



It can be said, in all sincerity, that eternal vigilance and pains- 

 taking attention to detail is the price of success in the growing of 

 conifer seedlings. 



I now come to the second division of my subject, which treats 

 on the growing of conifers from cuttings. 



II. Cuttings. 



(a) Greenliouse Cuttings. 



(b) Outdoor Frame Cuttings. 



Many of the conifers are reproduced by cuttings. This is neces- 

 sary from the fact that seeds are not available and the garden 

 varieties and hvbrids seldom come true from seeds. 



