LONGLEAF PINE 47 
on these groups of the smaller trees, single trees of moderate size 
and heavy tops which stand isolated are being left for seed, wherever 
needed. These are selected and ringed with paint in advance of 
cutting and turpentining. 
It is believed that these measures will prove sound from a busi- 
ness standpoint. The plan does not put much value at risk, and the 
total cost, including the stumpage, is probably 15 to 20 cents per acre. 
In themselves the seed trees are likely to prove a good investment, 
en account of their accelerated growth, and in addition there is the 
enhanced value of the land that contains a good young forest stand. 
The leaving of very old longleaf trees for seed production has re- 
sulted in some losses, because the trees have either died standing or 
been blown down. Of those that died, some were killed by lightning 
and some by certain insects 9 which do extensive injury over much 
of the South. 
SOWING AND PLANTING 
Available information may indicate the best lines to follow in 
making denuded lands produce an income. Apparently the best 
time for artificial seed sowing is soon after the seed matures — during 
October or early November. If sown much later, it probably re- 
mains dormant until the coming of warm weather. Meanwhile, the 
menace is great from the numerous enemies. Hence, if not sown by 
November, the seed should be put in storage in a cool place until 
about the time vegetation starts in the spring. The seed is rich in 
food elements and apparently deteriorates more rapidly than that of 
some other species of pine. The best method of storing pine seed is 
to place it in sealed containers after it is thoroughly air dried. Cold 
storage below freezing has also given fair results. If the seed is to 
be kept longer thau a few months, one of these methods is recom- 
mended. 
As to the preparation of the soil, plowing and harrowing have 
given the best results; but this method is obviously impracticable, 
because of the high cost. The results have generally varied with 
the degree of preparation of the soil. 
A method of sowing longleaf seed which now gives indication of 
being successful is to drop about 10 seeds at intervals of 6 feet in 
the bottom of furrows spaced 8 feet apart. This makes 940 seed 
spots per acre. The seed is scratched in with a hoe or rake and the 
soil pressed lightly with the shoe. The soil covering should be not 
more than one-fourth of an inch in depth. A little grass or " straw ? ' 
litter scattered over the soil will probably prove helpful. As there 
are about 8,000 seeds in a pound, about l 1 /^ pounds of seed will be 
needed for an acre. 
Another method of sowing that has given fair results in loose, 
"blackjack" soil consists of drilling in the seed with an ordinary 
corn planter or seed drill. The drill should be built low and strong, 
and should preferably be of the type that passes every seed in plain 
view of the operator. A bull tongue or a scraper may be used, de- 
pending upon the character of the soil. A quiet, steady animal, 
needless to say, is desirable on account of roots and other obstnic- 
9 Belonging to the genus; Ips. Studies have been made by the Bureau of Entomology, 
U. S. Department of Agriculture, to which inquiries should be addressed. 
