8 
to this voluntary duty as zealously as to any other, and have our sin- 
cerest thanks for their interest in the same, we are aware that, espe- 
cially at the planting season, they are so overcrowded with work that 
only a passing attention can be given to this outside matter; and at the 
same time wherever directions for field work are to be given from a 
central office far away from the 10 or 12 stations, all differently situ- 
ated climatically, the full measure of success can not be expected. 
The difficulties surrounding the procurement of plant material have 
been discussed at length by Mr. Keffer in this report. 
The objects of these experimental plantings may be briefly stated as 
follows: 
1. Testing adaptability of various native and exotic species in the 
several regions. 
2. Finding methods of establishing such species as seem well 
adapted, but are difficult to start. 
3. Testing the behavior of various species in mixture, and their 
influence upon one another, as a basis for selecting proper mixtures 
(mixed planting being recognized as superior). 
4, Developing methods of cultivation, more successful or cheaper 
than those in use. 
5. Finding methods of securing plant material most cheaply. 
6. Testing influence upon hardiness of locality from which the seed 
is secured. 
7. Demonstrating forestry methods in tree planting. 
In spite of the difficulties mentioned, the experiments have been 
fairly successful and instructive and will become more so as the trees 
grow. Nor should it be overlooked that, in experiments, failures are 
just as instructive—provided their cause is discovered—as successes. 
More liberal appropriations to place this work upon an adequate 
basis, commensurate with the interests involved, would produce more 
satisfactory results. 
B. E. FERNOW, 
Chief Division of Forestry. 
