The courier., 1902-10-25

perennial springs. The rain runs Off
as it falls. the streams become torrents
Ample opportunity Of this is seen in
the old world. All over Asia Minor
and in many parts of Africa and in
southern Europe are to be found des-
erts that in ancient times were among
the richest on the globe and supported
haps luxury. The great change that has
come over Egypt and very much of the
surrounding country, as the result of
a system Of irrigation which permits
the cultivation of crops the year round.
In that land there are no forests TO
speak of. but the extensive cultivation
of grasses and various kinds of plants
that has had the same effect upon the
soil. converting it into a huge sponge
for the absorption and retention Of wa
ter, the result has been a notable
change in the whole region, and where
as. in times past, a slight rain once in
two or three years was noted as a
thing to be remembered, there are now
frequent showers, and so great has
been the change, that 1t is having it's
effect upon the granite monuments of
the country and the old sphinx that
has stood for ages is now showing
signs of disintegration in the moist at
mosDhere. that is bringing grass and
verdure upon the barren sands
But what have we done and what is
being done for forestry in Nebraska? {?
Here is one Of the laws on timber land:
IF any purchaser of timber shall be-
fore receiving his title in fee simple.
cut or destroy any timber on said land
any further than shall actually be nee
essary for building and repairing of
fences and for the family of the oc-
cupant, he or she shall be liable in a
civil action for the recovery of the
amount of damages done to the land"
1879 giving a bounty for the cultivation
of timber: when any person shall
plant and properly cultivate, for the
term of five years, six rows of trees,
eight feet apart, and the trees four
feet apart in a row, along either the
north section or half section line, run
ming east and west, said rows to be
not nearer to said north section or
half section line than four feet, or the
south line of any road that shall be
laid out, or when any person shall fill
out to the standard above prescribed
and shall keep the same in a proper
state of cultivation, any rows Of trees
ed, it shall be the duty of the county
commissioners to pay to such persons
by warrant on the county treasurer,
sum of money amounting to three dol
lars and thirty-three cents for each
acre so planted and cultivated annual
ly, so long as the same is planted and
kept growing in a proper state of culti-
walton, for a period not to exceed five
years and in extent not to exceed three
acres" You will see evidences of this
law in a great portion of the state. 1t
was not passed for the purpose of cul-
windbreaks on the north side of Sec
ton lines. Ample provisions have been
made by law, if the laws had been
properly executed, for the planting of
shade trees in the cities and villages
of Nebraska land it is the duty Of the
corporate authorities to cause the
shade trees to be planted, and for this
purpose a tax of not less than dollar
or more than five dollars shall be
levied on each lot adjacent. The au-
thorities shall provide by ordinance
the distance from the side of the street.
the size Of the trees. etc. II the owner
oft he lot plant trees according to the
above prescribed rules he is exempt