METHODS OF PLANTING MOST SUITED TO FLORIDA. 33 



has proved inferior to the native Scotch pine, and is not readily taken 

 by lumbermen or wood users. 



On the other hand, if the species which may be well adapted to 

 Florida can be economically planted and grown on a large commer- 

 cial scale, and will yield durable ties, posts, and piles at an age. at 

 which the native species hardly reach sapling size, they will prove 

 of the greatest economic value to the State. There are large areas 

 in Dade, De Soto, Lee, Hillsboro, Pasco, Hernando, and Sumter 

 Counties which at present are not in a high state of productivity, but 

 could be made to add to the forest wealth of the State if thorough 

 experiments prove that eucalyptus growing on them would be eco- 

 nomically successful. The eucalypts would also form most efficient 

 windbreaks, which, if properly arranged, would be of great benefit 

 to the citrus interests of the State. 



METHODS OF PLANTING MOST SUITED TO FLORIDA CONDITIONS. 



A discussion of methods of planting eucalyptus in Florida must 

 necessarily take the form of general suggestions, rather than of exact 

 directions based on actual experience. Owing to the different con- 

 ditions of climate, topography, and soil, the time and the methods 

 of planting must deviate in many essentials from those in southern 

 California. One phase of the planting operations, however, namely, 

 the raising of seedlings from seed, has been highly developed in 

 California and can be followed to advantage in nearly every particu- 

 lar in Florida. Detailed description of this work may be found in 

 several publications of the State forester of California. 1 A brief 

 summary of the essential points will suffice in this place. 



RAISING OF SEEDLINGS. 



Eucalyptus is usually propagated by means of seed, but inasmuch 

 as the seed is very small and is too expensive for broadcast sowing, 

 even if this were otherwise feasible, seedling stock grown in flats is 

 mainly used. 



The delicate eucalyptus seedlings can not be safely transported 

 for long distances. If satisfactory stock is to be obtained, it must 

 therefore be grown in Florida either by the prospective planter or 

 by nurserymen who know how to handle it. With eucalyptus stock 

 raised in the same manner and sold at the same price as horticultural 

 stock the profitable commercial planting of eucalyptus is not pos- 



1 Circular 2, California State Board of Forestry, "A Handbook for Eucalyptus Plant- 

 ers ; " Bulletin 196, California Agricultural Experiment Station, "Eucalyptus in Cali- 

 fornia." 



