48 ELEMENTARY FORESTRY. 



nut and similar trees are better started from seeds where they 

 are to remain and the White Willow should be started from 

 cuttings. Seedlings. Elm, Ash and Cottonwood may often be 

 pulled from some river bank or lake shore, or bought of 

 nursery men at a very low figure or they may be raised from 

 seeds. White Willow cuttings can generally be obtained from 

 some neighbor or from nurseries. In the case of conifers 

 transplanted seedlings should be used. Whatever the source 

 of any stock that is to be planted it should be thrifty and 

 vigorous and not weak or diseased. 



Method of Planting. The methods used in prairie planting 

 are much the same as for transplanting in the nursery. In 

 every case much pains should be taken to have the soil in the 

 best condition. It is generally better to delay planting for a 

 year than to attempt it in poorly prepared soil. Tree plant- 

 ings have been made on our prairies by sowing tree seeds 

 broadcast in autumn after first carefully preparing the soil, 

 but the plan is seldom successful. A start can, however, be 

 made from seeds by planting the seeds in hills either alone or 

 with corn or beans. In the latter case the tree seedlings often 

 do very well and do not interfere with the growth of the crop. 

 The seedlings are cultivated in the spring after the crop is 

 removed and as they are in rows this is a very simple matter. 

 The common and generally most successful plan with trees 

 that can be easily transplanted is to start with seedlings and 

 plant in rows. The simplest and easiest way of doing this is 

 to furrow one way, mark out the other way and plant the 

 trees in the furrows at the intersections. If Black Walnut or 

 any of the oaks are wanted in a mixed planting it is generally 

 best to plant the other species first and put in the nuts or 

 acorns afterwards. Where it is desirable to plant seedlings 

 -or cuttings to fill vacancies, a pointed stick or spade may be 

 used to make the hole. Whatever method is used in planting 

 it is most important that the soil be packed firmly around the 

 roots so they will not dry out. If the soil is dry it cannot be 

 made too solid around the roots. If cuttings are used they 

 should be made about 14 inches long and in planting be pushed 

 into the loose soil in a slanting position, leaving only one 

 bud above the surface as recommended in the planting of 

 cuttings. 



