4S 3ULLETIX 1364, r. B, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



moisture, even through prolonged dry periods, and suffieient extensive 

 development of actively-absorbing fibrous rootlets on the laterals 

 to enable it to draw moisture from a large soil mass. In order to 

 preclude excessive transpiration, the top must not be too large. 



The best time to plant any species in the intermountain region 

 is just as early in the spring following the disappearance of the snow 

 as the soil can be worked. Growth of the stock must be retarded 

 until after it is planted. 



In selecting species for a planting site,, the occurrence and develop- 

 ment of native species growing on or adjacent to the site should largely 

 govern. Native species have proved superior to exotics in every 

 case tested. The native herbaceous and shrubby vegetation may be 

 used as a further index. 



In western yellow pine and lodgepole pine, the best stock is 2-1 

 transplants; with Douglas fir and the spruces. 3-1 : or in the case of an 

 exceptionally short-growing season the fourth year, 3-2 stock. Age 

 class should be used as the criterion only in so far as it is indicative 

 of the desirable qualities mentioned above. 



Artificial forest ation is destined ultimately to occupy a more 

 important place in the management of the national forests of the 

 intermountain region than at present. 



In this region, where agricultural development is primarily depend- 

 ent upon irrigation water derived almost altogether from national 

 forest watersheds, watershed protection and water conservation 

 through the equalization of stream flow are the primary objects 

 to be achieved in forest planting, timber production on a commercial 

 scale being of secondary importance. The best field for planting 

 is in the high mountains, where relatively heavy stands can be grown 

 which will have higher timber values as well as watershed protection 

 values. 



