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BULLETIN 47!», U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



On first-class nursery situations the drainage, of the seed bods wiB 

 not need consideration. Tf the drainage is not good on account of 

 the situation or the soil, it should be improved by raising the beds 

 slightly above the surrounding level and the center of each bed 

 slightly above its edges. Ordinarily the beds can be raised suffi- 

 ciently by shoveling out the paths from -2 to 4 inches deep. An 

 ample edge should be allowed for the frames and for washing by 

 rain. If the soil is very loose, it may be necessary to protect the 

 edges of the beds b}^ a board frame sunk in the ground. 



Planing- Board 



Section of Seedin 

 With Planing Board 



Fig. 2. — Seed-bed equipment. 



The cost of preparing seed beds, including plowing, harrowing, 

 spading, and raking, has been $0.0027 per square foot at the Boulder 

 Nursery and $0.00416 at the Wind River Nursery. 



SOWING OF SEED. 



Seed sowing is considered by some as the most important single 

 nursery operation. Sowing to secure the desired number of trees 

 per square foot requires considerable knowledge, skill, and care. 

 Hence, this is work that capable nurserymen handle themselves or 

 supervise very closely. 



The following points are of especial importance. All seed used 

 in a nursery should be fresh and clean. Fresh seed germinates 

 more vigorously and is less liable to rot than old seed, and it is- 

 not so likely to produce distorted, weak seedlings. Seed from 

 local collecting is best because the seedlings produced are best 

 adapted to the soil and moisture conditions and to the lengtr. 



