58 Manugcvunt after Planting. 



Mulching. 



217. In transplanting trees in a dry season, and especially in a 

 dry climate, it is often necessary to place on the surface a covering 

 of straw, litter, or other porous material, to protect the ground from 

 the heating and drying influences of the sun and the winds. It 

 also has an effect in preventing the growth of grass and other herb- 

 age, and to retain the moisture of rains. In a very dry climate, it 

 may be found the only means by which trees may be made to sur- 

 vive the trial of the first one or two seasons, and it may need to be 

 continued until the ground is well shaded. 



It was found on the college farm at Lincoln, Nebraska, that the 

 soft maple grew in much more regular shape, and more thriftily, 

 when planted singly and for shade trees, where the ground around 

 them was well covered with mulching, and the stems protected by 

 wild grass or other substances tied around them to keep ofi^ the sun. 

 When not so treated, the tops grew one-sided, and the trees soon 

 died. Examples might be multiplied indefinitely to prove the ben- 

 efits to be derived from this practice, both in regard to fruit and 

 forest trees. Of course, when this becomes an absolute requirement 

 of the climate, the cultivation of forests for profit is wholly unprof- 

 itable, and it must be limited to orchards and ornamental planting. 



Of Thinning. 



218. As elsewhere repeatedly stated, trees should be made to 

 form a straight and tall body while young, by being somewhat 

 closely planted, but should not be allowed to crowd too closely. A 

 part must be taken out from time to time, to give the remainder a 

 chance at the air and light. It should begin when we see it is 

 needed, and is best done at one time for a given piece of woodland, 

 rather than irregularly. The intervals of time must be regulated 

 by circumstances, and should be greater as tlie trees become large. 

 The only general rule to be followed is, that the trees should not be 

 allowed to interlock their branches, and that the ground should be 

 at all times well shaded. The effect is realized within a year or 

 two in the vigorous growth of the branches that hasten to fill up 

 the void spaces thus formed, and in the increased volume of the 

 wood that is formed. 



