REFORESTATION ON THE NATIONAL FORESTS. 23 



is likely to wash or crumble in from above and cover the seed so 

 deeply that the germinating seedlings can not push through. Leaves 

 and other litter are also likely to collect in these spots and smother 

 any seedlings which may get a start. 



CORN PLANTER SEED SPOTS. 



In the corn-planter method seed are distributed at fairly regular 

 intervals by means of corn planters which are regulated to drop the 

 desired number of seed in each spot. More ground can be covered 

 per man by this method than by any other, except broadcasting. In 

 experimental work on the Uinta National Forest from 5,000 to 6,000 

 spots per man per day have been covered, but from 2,000 to 3,000 is a 

 more common rate. This method has in a number of instances proved 

 fairly satisfactory ; but none of the corn planters covers the seed well, 

 and as it is bunched in a mass, it is easily located and destroyed by 

 rodents. 



CHOICE OF METHODS. 



The results from the use of all of these methods have been so un- 

 certain that none can be positively recommended, nor has any one 

 proved distinctly superior to the others. Over a broad range of con- 

 ditions, however, it is thought that the " regular seed spot " method 

 offers the best possibilities because a good seed bed is prepared, the 

 seed comes in contact with mineral soil and can be covered properly ; 

 only a small amount of seed is required per acre, and the resulting 

 stand is quite likely to be evenly distributed. This method can be 

 used over a greater variety of sites than any other with better chances 

 of success. 



Planting, 

 slit method. 



The slit method consists simply of opening a wedge-shaped crevice 

 in the ground by driving a spade, mattock, or axe into the soil and 

 moving the handle backward and forward or sidewise a little (fig. 

 3). A hole 2 or 3 inches broad at the top, as wide as the blade 

 of the tool, and tapering to an edge at the bottom is thus formed. 

 Into this crevice the roots of a plant are thrust and shaken down as 

 well as possible. The soil on each side of the hole is then compacted 

 against the roots by means of vigorous tramping and stamping with 

 the foot or by inserting the tool into the soil again on the far side of 

 the plant and prying the soil toward it. Before making the slit the 

 surface soil and sod is scraped away sufficiently to remove debris or 

 dry soil which may fall into the hole when the tool is removed. 

 Further, when the mattock is used, the soil over an area 6 or 8 inches 



