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boles formed than those growing in the fields where more complete culti- 

 vation was performed. Those growing in the more open fields and where 

 the most complete cultivation as to keeping the soil cleaned of all forms 

 of outside growth seemed to grow more bushy and to cease growing earlier 

 in the summer than the others. The only reasonable opinion to be given 

 for this fact is that they were more exposed to the heat of the sun, nothing 

 formed a covering to the soil to prevent evaporation and the trees were 

 deprived of any sort of shade protection. No forest influence was thrown 

 around them 



It must not be inferred from the discussion of the cultivation here 

 given that no cultivation is needed. The young trees must be given culti- 

 vation necessary to protect them from weeds and other wild forms of 



growth immediately around them The trees at the reservation 



are given the cultivation that can be performed with the means supplied, 

 and no more. If more means were provided they would be cultivated 

 more and better results might accrue." 



It can be seen that the Board of Forestry recognizes the fact that 

 they are not caring for the young trees in the best possible manner. A 

 crop of weeds is not the best way to prevent evaporation from the soil. 

 The maintenance of a dust mulch by cultivation will do this and will not 

 use food material stored in the soil. A disc harrow or a five-toothed cul- 

 tivator run through between the rows after each rain during the summer 

 will keep up the dust mulch and keep down the weeds. In other words, 

 a forest crop should be cared for just as a corn crop, except that the 

 period of cultivation is longer, sometimes three or four years. 



Thinning. — The maximum number of trees per acre at maturity is 

 about two hundred. It has already been shown why thinning is bene- 

 ficial, so only this remains to be said : a few years after the plantation 

 has become well established the process of thinning should begin. The 

 weakest and poorest trees and those crowding better ones should be re- 

 moved here and there to make room for their more vigorous neighbors. 

 Gradually this process should continue, the material being utilized, until 

 at maturity the woodlot has the requisite number of good trees and also 

 has provided for a permanent supply. 



[28—23003] 



