January 1904.] 



Tests of Forest Trees. 



93 



This rate of growth has decreased as the trees aged. Trees forty- 

 six years old, planted in similar soil, give the following measurements : 



Height 55 feet. 



Diameter at base 16 inches. 



at 5 feet 14 " 



" at 10 feet 14 " 



at 20 feet 10 " 



Cord- wood in top and branches, 40 cubic feet. 



On higher ground and poorer soil, trees the same age, forty-six 

 years, branched lower, were less vigorous and not as fine in appear- 

 ance. The measurements are : 



Height 37 feet. 



Diameter at base 14 inches. 



at 5 feet 12 " 



" at 10 feet 9 " 



Cord-wood in top and branches, 25 cubic feet. 



The Soft maple is very easily propagated by seeds, which must be 

 sown and lightly covered soon after they fall. The trees transplant 

 easily. 



Wier's Cut-leaved maple is a variety having very finely dissected 

 leaves and a graceful, rather drooping habit of growth. It has been 

 less rapid in growth, but compares well for vigor and hardiness. 



HARD MAPLE. (Acpr saccharum.) 



This species, also known as the Sugar maple, has been more diffi- 

 cult to propagate and transplant, and has been much slower ingrowth. 

 It has a handsome head, and seems to be worthy of planting in rich 

 soils in the eastern part of the state. It is liable to be injured by sun- 

 scald, unless protected after transplanting. On the College grounds, 

 it has given good results when planted among more-rapid-growing 

 trees. 



Trees set in 1888, now growing on the campus, in rich soil and 

 sheltered localities, give the following measurements : 



Diameter 

 at base. 



4f inches. 



5* 



4 



5 



6 



6 



7* 



8* 



Diameter 

 at five feet. Height. 



Scinches ............. 22 feet. 



6* 



5* 



3* 



3 



6 



6f- 

 5 



20 



25 



27 



28 



22 



31* 



31 



25 



The trees have borne but few seeds, and these have germinated but 

 poorly. 



