. SYLVICULTURE. 



C. On the other hand, the following objections to planting must 

 be considered: 



I.As long as the American forest is much endangered by fire, it 

 is unwise to invest any money in young growth for which the danger 

 of destruction by fire is excessive. 



II. Trees of a condition now considered " weeds " may gradually 

 attain a stumpage value (as Chestnut at Biltmore). 



III. Even European forestry is now reverting to a natural propa- 

 gation of forests owing to the dangers usually inherent to artificial 

 planting. 



D. Definitions. 



The word reforestation is used if the area to be planted has been 

 previously occupied by tree growth. 



The word afforestation is used if there was no tree growth on the 

 plot for a number of years beforehand. 



Paragraph X. The Seed. 



The equality of seeds is shown by their size, weight, color, scent. 

 A tree standing in an open position, not too young and not too old, 

 produces the best seeds. 



A. Seed years: 



The atmospheric conditions of the year or years during which the 

 peed is formed further influence the quality of the seed. Drought 

 in summer and early frosts in fall cause the seeds to drop immatui'e. 

 Black Oaks and Pines require t^^o years for the formation of seeds. 

 Juniper three j^ears. It seems as if all trees require a number of 

 years for the preparation of seeds, inasmuch as the medullary rays 

 before a seed year are found full of starch, and after a seed year de- 

 void of starch. This phenomenon may explain the periodical occur- 

 rence of seed years in Bamboo and Canebrakes, in Chestnut, Oak, 

 Beech, Pine, etc. 



The length of the period elapsing between seed years depends on 

 the local climate and the position of the ti-ees, being short for trees 

 standing in orchard-like positions on warm and sheltered ground 

 where abundant lieat allows of the rapid accumulation of starch. 



B. Rest: 



After dropping from the tree, all seeds undergo a period of rest 

 in our climate. This rest is very short in the case of Cottomvood, 

 Willow, Elm and Soft Maple. In the majority of cases, in Eastern 

 North America, it lasts from November to April. In rare 'cases 

 (German Ash, German Linden, Red Cedar, Hornbeam) the period of 

 inactivity covers about seventeen months. Seeds which get too dry 



42 



