RULES FOR SELECTING SEED TREES. 69 
healthy tree usually has scaly, rough bark; a dying tree, soft, smooth 
bark. If it is found to be dry and to peel with difficulty in the spring, 
it is also a sign that the tree is dying. The foliage of a sickly tree is 
frequently thin, straggling, and dark colored. If the top is dry or 
there are dead branches covered with moss within the crown, the tree 
is apt to be unsound. A tree with a large seam is not necessarily 
unsound. The seam unfits it for lumber, but not for pulp. 
(4) All merchantable trees which are likely to be blown down should 
be marked for removal. 
(5) All merchantable trees which have been partially girdled by 
porcupines or rubbing of other trees should be marked for removal. 
There are considerable numbers of such trees which are perfectly 
sound, but which have been partially girdled in the crown and will 
decay or actually die during a period of 25 or 30 years. 
RULES FOR SELECTING SEED TREES. 
Seed trees are left for two purposes: First, to supply a basis for 
future growth; second, to seed the ground to Spruce. The first of 
these objects is accomplished by leaving all trees under 10 inches in 
diameter. ‘The second is secured partly by the trees under 10 inches 
in diameter and partly by larger specimens left especially for that pur- 
pose. The choice of the latter requires great care and judgment. 
(1) The smallest tree available for the purpose should be selected. 
(2) When possible, only trees with less than three 14-foot logs should 
be selected. 
(3) Those with the quickest taper—that is, the youngest trees— 
should always be chosen. It has been shown on page 68 that a quick 
taper is usually a sign of youth and vigor. 
(4) Only such trees as have their crowns exposed to light from 
above should be chosen, for light is necessary for the production of 
seed, and the seed trees must be capable of bearing fruit at once or 
within a short period. 
(5) Only sound, vigorous specimens should be selected. 
(6) Unsound trees which can not be utilized should always be left 
standing. If felled, as is required by many lumbermen, the trees are 
left in the woods, making food for fire. If left standing, they dis- 
tribute a certain amount of seed. 
(7) All trees whose branches are locked in valuable hardwoods and 
which can not be removed without cutting the latter should be left 
standing. The hardwoods will probably be marketable in a few years 
aud the Spruce can be taken out at that time. 
(3) Where an opening is to be made in lumbering one or more seed 
trees should be located on the side toward the prevailing wind, so 
that the seed will be blown over the ground. 
(9) On a slope the seed trees should be located above rather than 
below a large opening. 
