122 The Farm Woodlot 



mulch, consisting of straw or leaves applied as soon as the 

 ground is frozen, and preferably on top of a few inches of 

 snow. This mulch prevents alternate thawing and 

 freezing and should be removed in the spring as soon as 

 freezing conditions are over. 



Expenses. — The cost of seedlings grown in the farm 

 nursery usually can be made very insignificant, since the 

 work can be done at odd times in the evening or morning, 

 at no time occupying more than a few hours, so that along 

 with the regular farm work the care for a small nursery 

 would scarcely be noticed. On the average farm there is 

 usually spare time and labor that can be used for such 

 purposes. The equipment, in case wire netting is neces- 

 sary, together with lath, stakes, and so on, need cost but 

 very little. Seed, whether collected or purchased, in the 

 case of conifers will range from 75)4 to $3 a pound; 

 in case of hardwoods or broadleaf trees from 10^ to $1 

 a pound. In case planting stock is purchased, one-year- 

 old coniferous seedlings may be obtained for about $1 a 

 thousand. Transplanting always increases the cost, and, 

 as a rule, transplants cost about twice as much as seedlings. 

 The cost of broadleaf seedlings will vary with the species 

 and the size from about 50^ to $2 a hundred. From 

 the standpoint of economy, it is far more economical to 

 establish a small nursery and to grow planting material, 

 except when labor must be hired to carry on the work. 

 In the latter case, it would be better to purchase planting 

 stock from a reliable nursery. 



