66 
THE national NURSERYMAN 
The variation in cost of production from these causes 
may be as great as loo per cent. 
State nurseries in computing costs, are apt to neglect 
certain elements, especially depreciation, interest, super¬ 
vision, and, necessarily, profits, and on a basis of equal 
efficiency would tend to undersell private nurseries. 
The demand for nursery stock for forest planting arises 
(a) From large corporations doing extensive planting. 
These concerns have largely pursued the policy of raising 
their owns tock, and are, therefore, seldom in the 
market. 
(b) Smaller owners. planting a few thousand trees per 
year. This demand is uncertain, constantly shifting, 
since the same persons do not continue as purchasers from 
year to year, and is largely influenced by the educational 
propaganda conducted by State foresters. In itself it 
forms an unreliable basis for conducting a commerical 
business. 
It is apparently true that State nurseries have it in their 
power, by developing and increasing in size and output, to 
supply a very large proportion of the nursery stock required 
for private forest plantations, and at prices which will 
make it impossible for private firms to compete successfully 
with them in this field, in the absence of an assured market 
for their own output. 
In European countries, private nurseries have been able 
to produce stock more cheaply than States can grow it, and 
States therefore purchase their stock in considerable quanti¬ 
ties from private nurseries, and are their main customers. 
Demand is steady and permanent. 
In conclusion the committee presents the following con¬ 
clusions and suggestions: 
(a) States are at present justified in raising their own 
nursery stock for reforesting State lands. 
(b) Sales of nursery stock at low prices by State nurseries 
to private parties naturally tend to encourage forest planting 
by individuals. 
(c) Low prices for nursery stock sold by States will have 
the effect of lowering the prices of stock sold by private 
nurseries for forest planting, but only under the conditions 
that State output does not monopolize the demand. Should 
the State output keep pace with the demand private nurseries 
will be forced out of their field of endeavor. 
(d) The value of State nurseries as regulators of prices 
for forest stock is recognized, but the policy for the future 
should probably be for State nurseries to continue as regula¬ 
tors, along the lines indicated, rather than to assume perma¬ 
nent responsibility for the business. 
(e) Present prices on two-year seedling stock sold by 
private nurseries, in most instances compare favorably 
with State prices. While prices for three-year transplants 
are, except in one or two instances, much higher than the 
State prices. 
In view of the facts above stated, the committee recom¬ 
mends a policy of State purchase of such stock as may be 
procured to advantage from private nurseries and sale of 
subsequent sale to private parties, for planting purposes. 
In the long run it will probably be better for both States 
and private land owners if States endeavor to encourage the 
legitimate development of private nurseries in the field of 
supplying trees for forest planting, while retaining the right 
and ability to check extortionate prices, by supplying stock 
from State nurseries at low cost. This policy would mean 
careful consideration of the elements of cost in raising stock, 
and of the demand and size of output required to supplement 
and regulate the trade, in order that the States may act 
with fairness to the public on the one hand and the nursery 
companies on the other. 
The committee doubts the advisability of free distribu¬ 
tion of material for forest planting by States and consider 
that better results may obtain if proper prices are charged 
for the material. 
Your committee desires to express its appreciation of 
the courtesy extended by State Commissioners, foresters 
and the owners of private nurseries for the data and informa¬ 
tion kindly submitted to it, and hope that the consideration 
of this subject by the Association may result in harmonious 
relations between the forestry department of the Govern¬ 
ment, each of the States and those engaged in the business, 
to the mutual adA^antage of all. 
(vSigned) Fred’k W. Kelsey, 
H. H. Chapman, 
H. R. Bristol, Committee. 
TRANSPORTATION TO PORTLAND CONVENTION 
Marsden B. Fox of Rochester, who is in charge of arrang¬ 
ing for the transportation of the eastern delegates to the 
Portland convention next June, is already hustling. He 
recently sent out the following circular letter. Any one 
not receiving one of these letters should write Chairman Fox, 
giving him the information requested. 
Dear Sirs: 
The American Association of Nurserymen will hold its 
annual meeting June i8 to 20, 1913 at Portland, Oregon. 
The shortest route will require about four days from 
Rochester and many of the Eastern nurserymen would 
enjoy travelling in a party, having a car to themselves. 
In former years our genial friend, the late Chas. L. Yates, 
has kindly arranged these trips for the Rochester group and 
numerous expressions are now being made for similar trans¬ 
portation next June. Hence President Meehan and others 
have asked the writer to act as “Nurserymen’s Passenger 
Agent.’’ 
It is desirous to know early, about how many are going, 
and if you are interested, please answer questions and mail 
enclosed card, so that lowest possible rates may be 
obtained. 
Will any representative from your firm attend the 
Nurserymen’s convention? . 
If so, how many? . 
Are you interested in knowing rates and full informa¬ 
tion ? . 
Would you like to join a party from Rochester in a 
special car for the out-going trip? . 
Yours very truly, 
M. B. Fox. 
