[3] 



GUIDE. 



Seeds of trees destined to create forests especially need to be sown on location. As a 

 result, timber trees become more securely rooted in the ground, more beautiful, and more 

 vigorous: the trees are healthier for it, they live longer, and their wood is of the best 

 quality. All of these benefits derive from the fact that trees sown in one spot retain their 

 taproot. It penetrates deeply into the soil, supports the tree against the force of the wind, 

 and gathers nourishment from afar that it then restores in greater measure to the entire 

 plant economy, bringing it health and vigor. 



Trees that have begun their life in a particular soil are better adapted to it than are 

 those transplanted from nurseries for yet another reason. This is the natural way that large 

 plants reproduce. Seeds dispersed by the wind, distributed by birds, or water-borne, will 

 germinate when the conditions are right. Their taproots push down deeply and their tops 

 reach to the sky. By copying nature's ways, we can hope to achieve the level of perfection 

 that we're capable of. 



SEED PLANTING. 



Tree seeds are planted 1) by scattering, 2) in furrows, and 3) one by one. Before 

 planting, one must make certain that the seeds are of good quality. This can be done by 

 obtaining seeds in season from trees that have achieved their maximum strength. Seeds 

 that are full, heavy, intact, quite clean, that don't smell of mildew or are rancid, nor show 

 evidence of insect damage, should be considered good and usually are the best. 



