FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 257 



In addition to the coniferous seed beds, we sowed eight pounds of black 

 locust, ten pounds of yellow poplar, and ten pounds of white ash seed. 



The hardwood seeds were planted in drills sixteen inches apart so that 

 they could be cultivated with hand cultivators. The results are quite 

 satisfactory. 



The locust germinated readily and made an excellent growth, some of 

 them reached a height of four feet during the season. 



The yellow poplar was late in coming up. It did not germinate 

 until the last of June and the growth was slow. The best of them are 

 now only about six inches tall. The seed of the yellow poplar is of very 

 low germinating power, about five to ten per cent germinate as a rule. 

 For this reson it is necessary to sow the seed very thickly in order to secure 

 a satisfactory stand. If this valuable species is to be propagated 

 extensively, it will be necessary to sow a large quantity of the seed. 

 Although these seeds were slow in germinating, we obtained a fair number 

 of trees and some visitors, who have had considerable experience raising 

 them, thought we obtained very good results. 



The white ash was a complete failure ; none of the seeds germinated 

 although they may do so the coming spring after lying in the ground 

 throughout the entire season. All of these seeds were thoroughly soaked 

 for several days before sowing and should have been in good condition for 

 germination. 



The copious spring rains were followed by a long season of dry weather 

 and it became necessary to rely on our water plant for irrigation purposes. 

 Our water pressure was sufficient to sprinkle all parts of the nursery and 

 throughout the season we had an abundant supply of water. This was 

 very gratifying as there had been some question as to whether our well 

 would furnish an adequate supply, throughout the entire summer, in case 

 there was an extended drought. The results were entirely satisfactory, 

 removing all doubts for the future. 



During the early spring we increased the area of the nursery by the 

 purchase of an adjoining plat of ground containing five and three-tenths 

 acres. This doubled the area of our nursery, making the total area approxi- 

 mately ten and one-half acres. This land adjoins our original purchase 

 on the east and extends from Broad to Carydon streets, on both of which 



