PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 417 
In order that such an incredible quantity of lumber should be obtained in a 
small area, the trees must stand very thickly. They must also be of large girth, 
perfectly straight, to avoid waste in sawing, and reach high up from the ground. 
While it is not expected that such cnormous growths may be obtained in every 
locality, yet it forcibly illustrates our argument as to close and systematic planting. 
In a state of nature, where these dense thickets occur, the main stem of each 
reaches upward to the light, while the side on ee crowded, for want of sun- 
shine, die and fall to the ground. A comparatively small number of the trees, 
stronger than the others, push their heads above the weaker and smother them 
out, so that only as many as can find nourishment and sunlight remain. “The 
survival of the fittest.” 
The object of close planting is twofold: by crowding the tops into a 
compact shape we may prevent the formation of numerous side branches along 
the lower trunk, thus enabling it to grow into a long, upright stem, while the forest 
makes a quick shade so dense that herbage cannot grow to smother the young trees. 
As soon as this has been accomplished, thinnings should be made at once, 
by cutting out the surplus plants, in order that the roots of the permanent trees 
may have ample room to spread, otherwise those which are of a temporary char- 
acter greatly interfere with the nourishment and growth of the ones which are to 
remain and they are dwarfed thereby. 
This is especially important where moisture is deficient, whether from ex- 
cessive drainage, as in gravelly soils, or steep hillsides, or from light rainfalls, as 
the intermediate trees continue to absorb the moisture needed for the full devel- 
opment of the permanent plant. 
If the land to be occupied by wood is rough, hilly or mountainous this plan, 
which is only suggestive, may be modified at will. The planting of young forest 
trees is rapidly accomplished. With a thorough preparation of the soil by plow- 
ing and harrowing, it is laid off one way by running deep furrows. 
One person carrying plants drops them at proper intervals, depending upon 
the kind of trees, quantity of plants on hand and system adopted. Another per 
son follows with a shovel, covering and straightening it, moving rapidly along the 
row: or, if nuts or seeds are used the furrows should he shallow, and seed covered 
very lightly if they are small. | 
Evergreens require very careful treatment for a few years, the seed bed 
shaded and sheltered, and if the voung seedlings are transplanted often it is better. 
as the roots are shortened with each transplantation, giving them an abundance 
of fibrous roots when thev are to be finally set in permanent forest. 
As this all requires special knowledge and care, no one should attempt grow- 
ing evergreens from seed who is not thoroughly acquainted with the nursery busi- 
ness, but trees transplanted should be purchased of some reliable nursery. 
Trees which have grown several years in the native forest usually have long, 
slender roots, and but few of them. When such trees are removed but little of the 
root is secured, and a very large percentage of such trees die in a few weeks. 
As small trees are so very cheap it is far better to purchase the nursery 
crown, although it is often expedient to procure very young trees from native 
woods where natural seed beds are provided, and seed is difficult to gather. These 
deciduous seedlings often succeed admirably. 
