, 1873-01-24

great value OF the birds to the cultivator in the
destruction OF insects that prey on the crops Of
tho farmer and the fruits and trees OF the
orchardist. The bluo-bird destroys the 1arvD
Of the codlin-moth, while the greater part OF
the food Of nearly the wko!o family of birds is
composed OF insects. It is true that during
the grain-felds and fruits OF tho orchard and of
the garden. Then, the value Of their music may
not be counted in dollars, yet it has a value.
FoREsT-TnEE PLANTING.
II, Ut: y: 9: scofleld, OF Elgin, read a paper on
destruction OF the prime val forests in all parts Of
the country. The Hudson River district was
first laid opsn, and then the forests melted away
as tho settlements pressed on to the Great
nL9k,es and then to the g5oat pine-forests Of
melts away annually before the railroads aud
their engines; add to this all the uses that wood
is put to, the conhagration of cities, and tho
wrecks OF yessela and our wood ia swallowed
demands on our nativo forests must, in few
years, sweep away all that is valuable, and We
will be compelled to resort to other countries
plant and grow our own timber, or substitute
for it some other material.
sht nos nant n asa Fson 5ssd on nS e
the locust By the borer. His remedy WEB the
planting Of the black walnut, butternut, and
other useful trees. The two named would
not cost moro than corn for four
some others might cost for five years ESQ to $50
per aero. The planting OF deciduous trees
should be four feet each way, and conifers eight
feet. He would plant the Lombardy poplar
between the evergreena, in order to compel an
upright growth, and, after . few years, cut ont
tho poplcrs. The common black cherry is also
q valuable tree. He would not use the black
walnut as screen to the orchard.
,Mr. L. 4. 6cofeld took decided exception to
the planting Of the poplar among the conifers,
Eyvn
Mr. Bryant stated that the common sugar
maple was superior to the black sugar-maple for
the making Of sugar. Sugar may be made from
tho silver maple, and also the ash-leaf maple.
the State, while the silver maple is common in
almost all of our bottom woodlands.
In the planting OF tho European larch, they
may ha planted four feet apart, and not thinned
until the trees are large enough for railroad ties
when ono-haK Of the trees should be cut ont
The matter OF thinning must depend on growth
and other conditions. That the larch is very
durable, there can be no question.
Mr. Hill. OF Dundeo,-an old 1arch-planter
from the hills Of scotia,-stated that, in plant
acre. The plants, planting. and care for three
yeare, COST about s20 per acre. One man can
plant an acre day. Tie plants should bo
planted very early, before tho buds had started;
got it is possible TO plant it at later time in the
season. Tho white grub is the worst enemy Of
new larch plantations.
A gentleman suggested that the skunk would
destroy this grub, permitted to do so, and
that this pleasant little animal should not be
disturbed.
Mr Hill stated that the larch grown In Scot
land was almost indestructible, and was much
sought after for railroad ties. Samples Of
tamarack. OF American 1arch, we're also shown;
but it was stated that this tree made very feeble
growth on dry land, while ths same land mas
we'll adapted to the European variety.
Mr.. Douglass. gave concise node OF planting.
The two main points are, to plant carly in the
spring; and, in planting, to press the earth
firmly On tho roots. This rule also applies to
the planting Of all coniferous trees.
Mr. Dunlap stated That ho had planted three
sores Of the laroh in the spring OF 1871, and not
more than per cent were lost IN the planting,
but many plants we're destroyed by the vMto
grub. The cost OF planting and culture was
about s20 for the two years !; add to this $50 per
mere for the plants, and the total cost for that
time is about $50 per acre. He had a planta-
tlon Of ;larch is years old, standing
l. feet each way, that in no wise
appear crowded, and they promise to grow in
t1is close proximity for some years to come, and
perhaps until they reach q size suitable Tor
Tics.
Mr. Edwards read an essay On Forest-Tree
Planting, following in tho same vein as those
preceding, but giving more Important place to
the conifers,
HRRBARZUM.
Mrs. Hathaway had on exhibition herbarium
Of about 500 plants from tho prairies and wood
lnnds of EtephensOn County. RURAL.