LONGLEAF PINE. 41 
will be afforded of cut-over lands being reforested naturally instead 
of remaining idle unless they are restocked by artificial seeding or 
planting (PL II). 
Example of leaving seed trees. — On its own initiative a large lum- 
ber company in southeastern Louisiana is going further than re- 
quired by law, and is leaving and protecting practically all small 
trees. The skidding crews are required to save as many small trees 
as they can and to throw all slash from the bases of these trees. A 
considerable space around the trees is raked and the wounds are 
painted over. In addition to relying 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 or 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, 
on 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 cr 
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 than 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. 
^ 9 Belonging to the genus Ips. Studies have been made by the Bureau of Entomology, 
U. S. Department of Agriculture, to whom inquiries should be addressed. 
