The Red Cloud chief., 1885-07-10
Native Trees for Nebraska.


All farmers, or those interested in
fruit culture, without an exception, are
strongly in favor of trees grown on our
own soil, in comparison to importation
both in being much surer to grow and
also to come into fruiting in about one
half the time. l know this theory does
not harmonic with tree peddlers and
dealers, but facts are stubborn thing to
argue out of existence. And 1 might
say right here has been one most seri
Gus drawback experienced by the early
settlers. First, tree planting was an
experiment; second, the price of trees
put them out of the reach Of many,
and nothing but imported stock was in
reach of any, and that at a fabulous
price. Besides this the trees had to be
shipped hundreds of miles, and then
re-handled and hauled for miles. I'm
der such treatment we do not wonder
that but few could indulge in such Il
luxury, with ten chances for a failure
to one for success. The trouble now
has a remedy. Many counties in this
state now have their own nurseries and
trees may be Q e growing, aud pur-
chasers select their OWL goods. An
other difficulty the pioneer had to con.
tend with was the kind of fruit adapted
to our soil and climate, and this is one
reason no bOubt, why We see orchards
which were planted twenty years ago
that have never shown a sign of bloom
or fruit. The trouble is now Obviated
Men have spent years in experiment
ing, and to-day no one need be deceiv-
ed as to varieties to be successful.
There are some honest nursery men,
aud to them the horticulturist owes u
debt of gratitude for the result of their
labor; and again another class who are
vampires Oh every community where
their nefarious practices are carried on
l mean tree pedH IRIS as \ class. In the
first place all the interest they have in
you is your money, and that obtained,
another field Of labor is sought. 1t is
true they have tempting bait. such as
the tree strawberry with fruit similar
IN size to squashcs; Russian apples
which bear the same year they are
planted, and grape trees with fruit lit
tie inferior to apples in size. When
will people learn to turn a deaf ear on
such hnmbugs? l know that these
oily tongued fellows always have re-
butting argument, and it makes but
little difference whether it be true or
false, so as they get your name to an
order. am aware that many bundles
of nursery stock have received their
death stroke before leaving the hands
Of the nurseryman. In this climate
during the spring and fall our winds
q e most searching and drying, and
the sensitive r~ootlet, in my judgment
should not be allowed to remain ex-
exposed to the weather a single mo-
ment, but be gathered up as fast as dug
and the roots kept moist and covered.
l care not how much vitality q tree
may have, when purchased, il needs
after are 70 insure success Some
persons on arriving home with trees
will allow them to lay exposed TO the
wind and sun and then crowd the
roots into . little hole not too large for
fence post; or perhaps use the or.
chard for . feed lot during the winter
months and then wonder why their
trees are not doing well. These are
nat should be avoided.
Give the trees good cultivation; keep
weeds and grass down. and in the near
future your labor will be rewarded with
Of good fruit.