THE SELECTION OF TBEES. 51 



be neglected. If such an examination is scrupulously 

 conducted, it should lead with safety to the conclusion 

 that the selected species of trees will find there every- 

 thing which will secure its thrift. In doubtful cases those 

 trees which lay the lesser claim upon the soil are to 

 be preferred. The safest way is always to follow the 

 hints of nature, and plant such trees as are thriving best 

 in or near the region in which the planting shall be 

 done. 



This understood, we have still, as mixed planting now- 

 a-days — and with the best reasons — is commonly preferred 

 to the planting of pure stock, to determine upon what 

 varieties will fraternize with each other when planted in 

 a mixture. So, for instance, Elm and Maple do not 

 agree with the Oak, Walnut and Hickory as neighbors, 

 but will lean away, become crooked, and die out before 

 reaching their maturity ; whereas Ashes thrive well 

 when planted with the last named trees. With such a 

 mixture, the ground would be fully and profitably 

 utilized, as the Ashes draw their food from the surface, 

 and the other (tap-rooted) trees from the subsoil. Pines, 

 although al§o provided with tap-roots, succeed very well 

 in a mixture with Oaks, Hickories, Walnuts and Chest- 

 nuts ; mostly, however, they serve as nurses to the last 

 named trees, and are cut before reaching their full 

 maturity, after which the sheltered trees obtain their 

 full development. The Larch is often planted on suit- 

 able grounds as pure stock; but a slight intermixture of 

 the common Pine or Scotch Pine has proven very advan- 

 tageous. 



It is very important for the forest-planter to know this 

 behavior of the trees among themselves, and much re- 

 mains to be done with us, to correctly classify the forest 

 trees in this direction. Easier is another for mixed plant- 

 ing, also important classification of trees, viz : such as in 



