100 Our Field and Forest Trees 



without waiting for invitations. So direct seeding, 

 though it is easy and cheap, has serious disad- 

 vantages. 



It is found better to sow seeds where they will 

 be safe from frost, drought, floods, scorching 

 sun, and hungry mouths, and transplant the little 

 trees when they have grown strong enough to 

 endure hardships. When this method is followed, 

 however, government must provide nurseries, 

 labor, and irrigation. 



The trees raised in Uncle Sam's nurseries are 

 sown in beds where soil, moisture, and light are 

 carefully fitted to the needs of the sprouting seed. 

 After the seedlings come up, the beds in which 

 they grow are watered and kept free from weeds. 

 Artificial shade Is provided, since very young trees 

 will not thrive where light is too strong. After 

 two years in seed beds the young trees are moved 

 into transplant beds, where they form long, strong 

 roots, and grow hardy. They remain one year 

 in the transplant bed, and are then ready to be 

 put into their permanent home. 



There are now (1916) twenty-nine nurseries 

 conducted by the forest service, and in these mil- 

 lions of seedlings can be raised each year, so Inex- 

 pensively that sturdy little yellow pine trees, two 

 years old, cost the nation rather less than five cents 

 a pair. 



Most of the national forests are on high moun- 

 tain land, where only evergreens can endure the 



