PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES 47 



bling those of certain insects. The Ashes have dart-like seeds that 

 shoot through the air in great profusion (see p. 423), and the Bass- 

 wood seeds (see p. 417), are suspended from a leafy shield by means 

 of which they are carried long distances. 



While nature's method of seeding is truly unique, it is also 

 remarkably extravagant. A very small percentage of the seeds 

 that are formed ever germinate and develop into trees. Many of 

 them after falling to the ground are destroyed by forest fires. 

 A large nimiber are eaten by insects and other animals. Many 

 more fail to find suitable locations for their germination and 

 growth. To allow for this great waste and to keep up 

 the supply of the various species, tree seeds are bourn in 

 great profusion. It is interesting- to estimate the number of seeds 

 bourn by a single tree of the more prolific species like the 

 Mulberry, the Catalpa, the Sycamore, the Poplars, the Birches, and 

 some of the Evergreens. 



It may be plainly seen that in the economic production of tim- 

 ber, natural seeding is not to be depended upon. Although in 

 the hands of an expert forester the natural seeding of cleared land 

 from adjacent forests, may often produce satisfactory results. 

 Direct planting with nursery-grown trees is likely to give quicker 

 and more certain results and furnish only the desired kinds of 

 timber. 



The Forest Nursery — While it is possible to obtain 

 seedlings for forest planting at a reasonable price, there is no rea- 

 son why the farmer or forest planter cannot grow his own trees 

 from seed. To encourage the planting of forest trees some states 

 are furnishing young trees at prices but slightly in excess of the 

 cost of production. Even at these low rates the planter would find 

 it more satisfactory to grow his own trees. To do this successfully 

 he needs to know only a few general principles. The method em- 

 ployed in the growing of some species may differ slightly from that 

 used in others, but the principles are very much the same with all. 

 The work now is largely in the hands of specialists, but when farm- 

 ers and others come to realize the ease with which trees may be 

 grown and to appreciate the saving in money, there will be more 

 planting done. 



Collectfng Seeds for Planting — On accoimt of the drffi-^ 

 culty of collecting and the exacting requirements in the 



