FOREST NURSERIES AND NURSERY METHODS IN EUROPE. 227 



In General. 



By way of summary it may be said that, in general, the following methods 

 are observed: 



In locating a nursery no great importance is attached to the question of 

 exposure or slope, the site being selected with reference to reasons that are more 

 essential in connection with the management of the revier. Neither is the 

 altitude taken into consideration, as nurseries may be found everywhere, from 

 the low countries at sea level up to the mountain forests of the Apennines or 

 Vosges 3,000 feet above tide. The location may be determined by the nearness 

 of water, which may be needed for sprinkling the beds in time of drought, or for 

 irrigation. But the use of water is avoided as far as possible on account of the 

 extra expense, and because, as claimed by some, that when once resorted to it 

 must be continued. 



Square or rectangular enclosures are generally made in order to secure a better 

 ground plan, regularity in the form of the beds, and to economize in fencing. 



In nearly every instance the enclosure is closely surrounded by a high forest 

 that furnishes climatic protection to a great extent, although in a few localities 

 the foresters deem the shade from the trees as somewhat of a detriment. All 

 use carefully prepared or screened earth, free from gravel, stones and roots, to 

 which a liberal addition of compost or mineral fertilizers is made each year. 



In making the ground plan long beds are preferred, with the rows of transplants 

 running lengthwise. But in many nurseries the seed beds are planted with cross- 

 rows to facilitate weeding. The broadcast method for sowing seed beds, however, 

 seems to be a favorite one. Where this is practiced the seeds are distributed 

 thickly and as evenly as possible over the surface of the bed, after which the top 

 earth is raked over carefully and smoothly to cover the seeds. Another method 

 consists in spreading a very thin layer of rich, fine earth over the seeds instead of 

 raking them under; and it is claimed that a more even catch is thus secured. 



In order that the ground may attain the highest degree of fertility the forester 

 often suspends operations in his nursery at intervals of four or five years, and, after 

 the plants have been taken up, allows the ground to lie fallow one season, as the 

 exposure to rain, frost and snow has a recuperative effect on the soil. Good 

 results are further obtained by using the ground one season for an agricultural 

 crop, in the cultivation of which manure is used; and there is in addition a 

 beneficial working or division of the soil 



The size and number of the nurseries under any one management is propor- 

 tioned to the area of the plantations to be made. If two-year-old seedlings are 



