120 The Farm Woodlot 



These rows may be as far apart as is desirable, depending 

 on the method of weeding and cultivation which it is 

 expected to use. No shade-frames are necessary, but it 

 may be advisable to locate the nursery in the protection of 

 large trees or farm buildings. 



Broadleaf tree seeds. — Most broadleaf tree seeds, if 

 stratified during the winter, will be in excellent condition 

 for germination the following spring, and they should be 

 planted as soon as the ground is free from frost and dry 

 enough for working. Very hard-shell seeds, such as the 

 black and honey locust, frequently remain in the ground 

 until the beginning of the second season before they 

 grow. This tardiness in growing can be remedied by 

 soaking the seeds in hot water. Immerse the seeds in a 

 quantity of water heated to 180° F. and allow them to cool 

 and remain for a day or two. If the seeds still seem very 

 hard and show little benefit, they should receive a second 

 treatment. The water must not be too hot, and a safe 

 rule to follow is to heat it to the point at which it is too hot 

 for the naked hand. Seed thus treated must be planted 

 immediately in order that the seed may remain moist, 

 since drying out would very readily kill it. Seeds that 

 have been stratified over winter must be planted as soon 

 as removed from the moist sand. Seeds maturing in 

 early summer, like the elms, must be planted as soon as 

 collected. 



Planting the seeds. — As mentioned above, it is best to 

 plant the seeds of broadleaf trees in long rows. When 

 only a few hundred are grown, it is better to place the 

 rows about a foot apart and depend on hand cultiva- 

 tion ; however, they may be grown along with a field crop 



