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BULLETIN 419, L T . S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
On first-class nursery situations the drainage of the seed beds will 
not need consideration. If the drainage is not good on account of 
the situation or the soil, it should be improved by raising the beds 
slightly above the surrounding level and the center of each bed 
slightly above its edges. Ordinarily the beds can be raised suffi- 
ciently by shoveling out the paths from 2 to -± inches deep. An 
ample edge should be allowed for the frames and for washing by 
rain. If the soil is very loose, it may be necessary to protect the 
edges of the beds by a board frame sunk in the ground. 
Planing- Board 
Section of Seeding Frame 
with Planing Board in place 
Fig. 2.— Seed-bed equipment. 
The cost of preparing seed beds, including plowing, harrowing, 
spading, and raking, has been $0.0027 per square foot at the Boulder 
Nursery and $0.00416 at the Wind River Nursery. 
SOWING OF SEED. 
Seed sowing is considered by some as the most important single 
nursery operation. Sowing to secure the desired number of trees 
per square foot requires considerable knowledge, skill, and care. 
Hence, this is work that capable nurserymen handle themselves or 
supervise very closely. 
The following points are of especial importance. All seed used 
in a nursery should be fresh and clean. Fresh seed germinates 
more vigorously and is less liable to rot than old seed, and it is 
not so likely to produce distorted, weak seedlings. Seed from 
local collecting is best because the seedlings produced are best 
adapted to the soil and moisture conditions and to the length 
