522 DEPAJRTMENTAL BEPOETS. 



were planted in each spot. The spots were from 6 to 15 feet apart, 

 or an average of about 375 per acre, and, when possible, were placed 

 in shelter. The total cost of planting was $7.41 per acre, not includ- 

 ing cost of superintendence. The force engaged in the work con- 

 sisted of two members of the Bureau of Forestry, with from 12 to 

 15 laborers. The amount of seed planted in this way was as follows : 



Pounds. 



Knobcone Pine _ 85 



Coulter Pine 1 



Torrey Pine 3 



Gray Pine 33 



Western Yellow Pine 26 



Sugar Pine 45 



Incense Cedar 9 



The seed of the Knobcone Pine planted in November began germi- 

 nating in January, and the Incense Cedar a little later. From this 

 time until April the seedlings appeared in abundance. Owing to the 

 great numbers of birds (linnets), precautions had to be taken for the 

 protection of the seedlings. Later in the season, with the growth of 

 more vegetable food, the birds' attack largely ceased. In addition 

 to the birds the rabbits did great damage by biting off the young and 

 tender seedling trees. 



SEED BEDS. 



During the past year a seed bed 15 by 50 feet has been constructed 

 in Pasadena, where there are ample facilities for water. On account 

 of the presence of birds it was necessary to cover this entire inelosure 

 with wire netting. This bed has now been wholly planted to Pine 

 and Incense Cedar seed. 



The thanks of the Bureau are due to Mr. J. R. Bell, forest ranger, 

 Idyllwild, Gal., for assistance in securing seed for planting; to Mr. 

 William G. Kirchkoff, president of the Los Angeles County Water 

 and Forest Association, who gave $262 to the work, and to the Pasa- 

 dena Board of Trade for a contribution of $600 for the same purpose. 



SEED COLLECTING. 



For the planting both in Nebraska and in California this Bureau 

 has itself collected the seed. This was usually necessary because the 

 seed was not to be found in the market, and in all cases it has insured 

 seed of fresh quality and from suitable places. In addition the 

 Bureau has acquired valuable information in regard to the collection 

 and treatment of tree seeds. In all, 856 pounds of seed have been 

 collected. 



Forest Replacement. 



Investigations to determine methods of improving thin forest stands 

 without resorting to expensive planting were begun during the past 

 year. Three distinct studies have been carried on, one of the repro- 

 duction of hardwoods in Oklahoma, another of Western Yellow Pine 

 on the Prescott Reserve in Arizona, and a third of White Pine on 

 abandoned fields and pastures in New England. 



reproduction of hardwoods in OKLAHOMA. 



The natural line between timber and prairie which extends south- 

 ward through Missouri and eastern Kansas bends distinctly westward 



