16 



is a tree with an ample root system to furnish an abundant supply 

 of crude sap; a broad spreading top with big leaf surface to elabor- 

 ate the sap and a big, long body in which the sap may be stored. 



In order that an extensive leaf surface may be maintained in 

 an active condition the soil must be protected against too great loss 

 of moisture during the summer months. The soil must be rich, cool 

 and moist and these conditions must be maintained from year to 

 year. The root system of the maple is shallow, many of the fine 

 root hairs rising nearly to the surface to absorb moisture. If these 



Fig. 8. GATHERING SAP IN THE SUGAR BUSH 



Metal gathering tanks are much preferred to wooden ones by the more advanced sugar makers 



are injured either by exposure or drought or by the grazing and tramp- 

 ing of animals the tree cannot do its best. For this reason pastur- 

 ing by farm stock should not be permitted year after year. While 

 the truth of this assertion is generally admitted among sugar makers 

 it is contended by many of them that in order to subdue a too rampant 

 growth of underbrush cattle may be very well allowed to browse the 

 grove about one year in five or six. Unless this is done, or hand 

 thinning is resorted to, the growth becomes so dense and strong that 

 much waste and difficulty is experienced in gathering the sap. It 

 should be borne in mind, however, that for the vigor of the grove as 



