


MANAGEMENT OF YELLOW PINE. . 57 
been separated. The seed is then run through a grain fanning mill 
until it is thoroughly clean. It is then sacked and stored, preferably 
in air-tight earthenware jars, in a dry, cool, rat-proof building, 
until ready for shipment. 
The germinating vigor of the western yellow pine collected has 
varied considerably. In 1909 samples from the Coconino National 
Forest were 82 per cent sound; in 1910 seeds from the same Forest 
germinated 63 per cent in a soil test of four weeks’ duration. Ac- 
cording to tests made in 1907, germination of seed collected on the 
Pecos National Forest averaged 73 per cent at Halsey, Nebr.; 75 per 
cent at Pasadena, Cal.; and 85 per cent in the laboratory at a tem- 
perature of 77° F. Examination of the seed showed 1,300 to the 
pound and 500 to the pint. One pound would sow 200 linear feet 
of seed drill, and one pint 90 feet. 
NURSERY PRACTICE. 
. Western yellow pine nurseries should aim to produce thrifty trans- 
plants, 2 or 3 year old stock, provided the cost of production can 
be kept low. Broadcast sowing in seed beds gives the best results. 
The beds should be graded so that the center of each may be slightly 
higher than the sides to provide for irrigation and drainage. One 
pound of western yellow pine seed, with a germination per cent of 
from 60 to 80, is sufficient when broadcasted for 48 square feet of 
seed bed, allowing 100 to 150 seedlings to the square foot. The beds 
should be mulched during germination in order to conserve the mois- 
ture and yet transmit heat. Burlap is excellent for the purpose. 
Where seedlings are heaved or lifted by frost the beds should be 
mulched during the winter months. Sowing should be done between 
April 15 and July 15. Early sown seedlings are larger and hardier, 
and less likely to be winterkilled. A system of low shade frames 
with wire netting to exclude birds and animals is satisfactory. 
Nursery experiments conducted at the Gallinas planting station 
on the Pecos National Forest indicated that April sowing gives bet- 
ter results than March or May. The best root pruning was secured 
by making an artificial hardpan from 8 to 12 inches below the sur- 
face. Seed beds gave better results when mulched after sowing, but 
a lighter mulch of needles should be substituted when germination 
begins, followed by moderate watering. Low shade frames were 
best, particularly when the danger from rodents was great. Seed 
did well on all soils, but burned a little on pure sand. Damping-off 
was stopped by removing the shade, by sanding the seed beds, and 
by cutting off the water supply. At another time it was eradicated 
in 24 hours by spraying with Bordeaux mixture. It was found that 
heeling-in transplants over winter prevented loss by throwing. 


