Practical Sylviculture 103 



for tree growth. After examining a woodlot, any person 

 acquainted with the conditions necessary for the growth 

 of the seed of almost any field crop can readily see what 

 may be done to enable the seed to get down into the 

 mineral soil. It is largely a matter of good judgment. 



Seeding and planting 



Seeding and planting are methods for artificial regenera- 

 tion of forests. The term seeding refers to the actual 

 scattering of seed directly in the woods, either broadcast 

 or on small specially prepared areas. By planting is 

 meant the actual setting-out of small trees known as seed- 

 lings that have been grown from seed in the farm nursery, 

 or obtained elsewhere. At present, planting of seedlings 

 is the method mostly used, and on small areas, such as 

 the woodlot owner possesses, it seems to be the most 

 advisable method. In some parts of the country, experi- 

 ments in broadcast direct seeding show fairly good results. 

 At all events, under the proper conditions, some of our 

 tree species can be successfully regenerated by this 

 method, except for large seeds like those of the hickories, 

 the walnuts and the oaks. For these it would possibly 

 be better for the woodlot owner to practice planting of 

 seedlings. 



Choice of method. — About the first question that arises 

 when the regeneration of the woodlot is considered is 

 what method to use, whether seeding or planting, or a 

 combination of the two. This can be determined only by 

 carefully considering the situation and the conditions. 

 Even when conditions are favorable for seeding, it is so diffi- 

 cult to secure seed of good quality at reasonable cost, 



