INTRODUCTIONBountiful seed crops of spruces, especially white spruce, occur sporadically once about every 6 years. Large quantities of seed are required for natural regeneration and artificial reforestation programs. Production of sufficient planting stock is often difficult owing to the uncertainties of seed production. A means of forecasting a seed crop, even a few months before it matures, would permit better planning for seed collection and assist in the timing of scarification and other means of seedbed preparation for natural regeneration.