72 FARM FORESTRY 



Raising Christmas Trees. — The raising of Christmas trees 

 is a profitable undertaking in many regions. Trees from 6 

 to 8 feet high are in greatest demand, and there is a good 

 market for smaller trees. Especially well- formed specimens 

 are often sought by nurserymen for ornamental purposes. In 

 from 5 to 6 years after planting the trees an income should 

 be secured. There are many conifers that can be used for the 

 purpose. Spruce and fir are usually in greatest demand, 

 though many of the pines like white pine and Norway pine 

 are sold. On fairly good soil these trees should grow from a 

 half foot to a foot each year. Because the trees are to be 

 removed early in their life a close spacing can be used. Three 

 by three feet is often used for spruce and fir requiring 4840 

 trees to the acre. Faster-growing trees should be spaced 4 

 by 4 feet, requiring 2723 trees to the acre. Small trees for 

 planting can be purchased from nurserymen often for as low 

 a price as $2 to $3 a thousand. 



