St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-07-20
Growing Forest Trees.


fFrom the New York Observer
For several reasons the sugar maple
seems to he the most useful shade tree
to plant in all sections where it will
grow. Though in the forest it shoots
mp, and does not yield as much shade
as many other trees, 1t spreads its
branches much more when growing
alone, and, if its growth is made sym
met, al by iudiciOus pruning soon
ilft,ef.t is act, it becomes one of the
most beautiful of shade-treeS. 1t also
makes the best of fuel, and, moreover,
sugar orchard by the roadside, where
the sap can be conveniently gathered
with a team, is no small advantage.
''But | can't afford to wait for Il
sugar orchard to grow up" says the
Young farmer, and the old farmer cant
afford to plant trees for posterity."
Granting that waiting is an impOssi-
blity to an American, let me suggest
to the young farmer that he plant the
trees and then busy himself about
something else until they grow up, in
the meantime feaSting his eyes and
mind upon the growing trees, and con-
gratulatimg himself that if he dies
v0un" he may leave his mark in the
world. The objection of the old farmer
may be answered by reminding him
that he can leave no more useful mon
ument than il tree, that he will proba
blv live to sit in its shade, and even if
he does not it is but il selfish objection
for who does not aspire to leave the
world little better than he found it,
and to do something for which future
generations will bless him A writer
on forestry says "ThOusands of men
are toiling this day to lay up wealth
for their children, when, if they would
invest a small amount in land and then
plant a few acres of our best forest
trees. their money would grow into IL
fortune by the time their children had
grown into manhood
Besides planting trees by the road
side for shade, it is profitable invest
ment to plant them upon worn-out
lands, especially upon barren hill-tops,
where some kinds of trees will flourish,
though the soil he too dry and stony
for other vegetation.
The pine tree, for example, thrives
in soil which is too poor for profitable
cultivation, and the elm will grow rap
lulN almost anywhere.
Trees planted for the purpose of
growing timber should be placed near
er together than shade-trees, i'll order
that they may grow taller and with
less top and fewer knots.
Another purpose of planting trees Is
the rebOsment of the denuded slopes,
which can be most successfully accom-
plished by making horizOntal-terraces
or nOtches for sowing the seed or plant
| inc the trees. When they are well
rooted they obstruct torrents, and the
rain is gently filtered through the earth
instead of running in channels on the
surface, and carrying with it the best
of the soil The debris from the hill
side will be caught by the roots and
trunks, and, together with the fallen
leaves, will form a new and produc-
tive soil.
Trees for transplanting from the for
est should be selected, so far as posi-
bic, standing apart from the others. II
raising them from the seed care must
be exercised to gather and plant the
seeds at the right time. 1t is imposSi
ble to specify the time for sowing a!
kinds of tree seeds, but the general rule
is 10 SOW llltlll SODil dlltI llltN tllC II Bt
The seeds of the sugar and Norway
maple ripcn in autumn, while those o
the red and silver maple ripen i'll june
and preserve their vitality only few
weeks, though most tree-seeds can b'
kept so that they will retain their vi
talitv for several months if put in :
cool. dry place. Except in localitie
where land is very cheap it is general
lv best to plant the seeds in Il nursery
and transplant the trees when the!
are large enough, but there is IL risk il
transplanting nut-trees where TIN
ground is dry. COnifrrS are very diff
cult to raise from seed, unless TIN
delicate plants are screened from TIN
sun when they first appear abov
ground. This may be done with brush
or 10y supporting pieces of lath teN
inches above ground, leaving inter
stices between as wide as the pieces
r When land is plenty it is more advan
taueOuS to SOW the seeds thickly i
drills where You wish the trees t
stand. and, as they grow, thin then
ont, using the surplus for poles, stakes
t etc, which are much in demand on tn
} farm.
! The cottonwood, poplar and willo'
! can be most easily propagated 10y cut
, tings. Take healthy shoots of las
years growth and bury them obliquel
, in the ground, and they will under f;
p vOrable circumstances send up II sprOU
e This subject is almost ineXhaustibl
, One who is Interested in it, if he
< familiar with the French Language
h should read Carricrc's treatise on con
: fers and other French works, since I'll
= French have studied forestry thorough
: ly. Among the best English works al
= IIough'S "Elements of Forestry Full
\ er's "Forcst Tree Culturist,n and son
: of Henry ID. Thoreau's writings.