20 



DEPARTMENTAL KEPOETS. 



estimated capacity of the seed beds, the amount of young stock on 

 hand, and the amount furnished for field planting: 



Forest planting stations: Size and estimated capacity of seed beds, young stock 

 on hand, and young stock furnished for field planting. 



The following field planting was done on National Forests : 



Tree planting on Xaiianal Forests. 



The stock planted in the field in earlier years sviffered severe losses 

 from special causes, of which the principal were unusual drought 

 and attacks of animals. On the San Gabriel Forest rabbits and wood 

 rats did great damage. All efforts to protect against or exterminate 

 these pests have hitherto proved futile. Kabbits are less common 

 on open land and at higher altitudes, where in consequence most 

 future planting will be done. Of the trees planted in 1905 the small 

 percentage which were not destroyed by rabbits or other pests are in 

 good condition, and from 24 to 36 inches high. More than 90 per 

 cent of the trees planted in 1'906 and nearly 50 per cent of those 

 planted in 1907 were destroyed, while in the brush 95 per cent were 

 seriously injured. 



At the San Marcos station the weather conditions for nursery and 

 planting work were especially favorable. Transplanting cost $1.78 

 per thousand. The seed beds were resown mainly with Jeffrey and 

 Coulter pine. 



On the Santa Barbara Forest planting near the nursery cost $10.65 

 per 1,000, but from a temporary camp $16.92 per 1,000. On June 1 

 the trees were in good condition and from 90 to 97 per cent were alive. 

 Damage from rabbits and field rats is very slight in the Santa Bar- 

 bara Forest, hence the only danger of loss is from drought. Dry 

 weather through July, August, and September of 1906 caused a loss 

 of 66 per cent in the planting of that year, but the live trees are in 

 excellent condition. 



