LONGLEAF PINE. 41 



will be afforded of cut-over lands being reforested naturally instead 

 of remaining idle unless they are restocked by artificial seeding or 

 planting (PL II). 



Example of leaving seed trees. — On its own initiative a large lum- 

 ber company in southeastern Louisiana is going further than re- 

 quired by law, and is leaving and protecting practically all small 

 trees. The skidding crews are required to save as many small trees 

 as they can and to throw all slash from the bases of these trees. A 

 considerable space around the trees is raked and the wounds are 

 painted over. In addition to relying on these groups of the smaller 

 trees, single trees of moderate size and heavy tops which stand 

 isolated are being left for seed, wherever needed. These are selected 

 and ringed with paint in advance of cutting or turpentining. 



It is believed that these measures will prove sound from a busi- 

 ness standpoint. The plan does not put much value at risk, and the 

 total cost, including the stumpage, is probably 15 to 20 cents per acre. 

 In themselves the seed trees are likely to prove a good investment, 

 on account of their accelerated growth, and in addition there is the 

 enhanced value of the land that contains a good young forest stand. 

 The leaving of very old longleaf trees for seed production has re- 

 sulted in some losses, because the trees have either died standing cr 

 been blown down. Of those that died, some were killed by lightning 

 and some by certain insects 9 which do extensive injury over much 

 of the South. 



SOWING AND PLANTING. 



Available information may indicate the best lines to follow in 

 making denuded lands produce an income. Apparently the best 

 time for artificial seed sowing is soon after the seed matures — during 

 October or early November. If sown much later, it probably re- 

 mains dormant until the coming of warm weather. Meanwhile, the 

 menace is great from the numerous enemies. Hence, if not sown by 

 November, the seed should be put in storage in a cool place until 

 about the time vegetation starts in the spring. The seed is rich in 

 food elements and apparently deteriorates more rapidly than that of 

 3ome other species of pine. The best method of storing pine seed is 

 to place it in sealed containers after it is thoroughly air dried. Cold 

 storage below freezing has also given fair results. If the seed is to 

 be \<<'\>i. longer than a few months, one of these methods is recom- 

 mended. 



As to the preparation of the soil, plowing and harrowing have 

 given the best results; buf this method is obviously impracticable, 

 because of the high cost. The results have generally varied with 

 the degree of preparation of the soil. 



'Belonging to the genus [pa, Stndiea have been made by the Bureau of BJnton 

 V. B. Department of Agriculture, to whom inquiries should i><: addressed. 



