The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1903-03-06

economic aspects. we nave
thought OF them as aggregated
in forests either indigenous or artificial
and as affecting the larger problems OF
human living and human happiness.
Let us now consider the more simple
relations which trees in smaller num-
bers bear to our enjoyment or comfort.
Although as a people we destroy for
ests in fashion for which history Of
fers no precedent. we are nevertheless
almost without exception tree planters.
In our northern states at least tree
less yard or homestead Is an exception
SO unusual as to be a matter Of gen.
eral comment. So strong Is the tend
ency to plant trees about the house
that the traveller may often find abun-
dant attempts in this direction far out
on the plains, where on account OF con-
tinued dryness a tree cannot possibly
grow. The pioneer in such region will
sometimes haul water for miles to pour
around some transplanted cottonwood,
watch it grow green for season, only
ut length to see II perish in n day when
the hot wind sweeps up across the des-
ert. Our zeal is not according to knowl-
edge, or, to put 1t the other way, our
knowledge by no means equals our
zeal.
To be reasonably successful tree
planters there are several matters to
which we must give heed. We must
consider first Of all the locality and its
climatic conditions; second. the habit
and history Of the various species OF
trees from which selection must in any
case be made, and, third, we must at
tend to the special purpose we have In
view in making the particular planta-
tons. This is all apart from the mere
matter Of setting the tree in the ground,
pruning it, mulchlng it. etc, concern.
ing which we may have something to
say in the next chapter. Let us now
study in the order named these several
prerequisites 10 success. In the first
place, ii is evident that in tree planting
much depends on having due regard to
climatic and other local conditions. We
must select species adapted TO these
conditions or our labor is in vain. In
making such selection the fora Of the
locality or OF the region round about Is
the absolute criterion. People in Iowa,
for instance, need not put themselves
to the trouble, as they have often done.
TO plant tulip trees in long rows about
their holdings. Tulip trees were never
an element OF the Iowa forest or OF
any part Of it. Neither do people OF
Ohio, though favored with the tulip
trees. wisely attempt the several mag
nolias or the bald cypress, though these
may find place In Kentucky or farther
south. We must have respect TO the
natural distribution OF these things or
suffer the consequences. Beneficent
nature has worked all this out for US.
and, while for variety's sake we may
introduce some novelties in her origi
nal scheme. we shall find urselves ev-
erywhere. In the main. largely restrict
ed to the results in her husbandry. AS
we go west in this latitude the number
Of arboreous species rapidly dininishes,
as we have already stated, although by
no means so rapidly as some have sup
posed. There are for example. ut least
twenty-five species Of trees and shrubs
in the valley of the Missouri river
where ii begins TO form the boundary
OF the state OF Iowa. Farther west the
number is of course smaller. The high
or grounds are too dry TO support trees
Mt all. The few forms listed are linn
tied TO the water courses. diminished.
dwarfed in size until at last we begin
to find the coniferous outiers OF the
Rocky mountain forests.
Over all this region. then, in general.
trees native TO the region may be sue
cessfully planted. But the second con-
sidera ton mentioned. above all. now
calls for remark. We must not only
have regard 10 original distribution. but
we must also study the habit, the hab-
itat, Of our different sorts Of trees. This
means simply more exact examina
llOu Vi tue puTllCuluT case. our HdllNe
trees affect different situations. differ
ent soils. habkats we say and, while
many Of them will grow almost any
where If sufficient moisture is at hand.
yet after all each does best in natural
soil and surroundings. Thus willows
grow by the water courses only. One
common species is found generally on
the driest hillsides The black walnut
rises to splendid perfection in rich al
luvial soil; the beech and pine will
flourish on a soil OF sand and gravel:
the white oak affects the loess capped
ridge; the Eastwood and the hard ma
pie. in the west at least. love the cool
limestone ridge. the rocky bank; knee
deep in the swamp stands the tamarack
Of the north. the cypress OF the south;
the bur oak lives In the sand. on sunny
slopes. on dry. thin soils on the prairie
Drawing the prairie fires. even invading
the desert In stunted. dwarfsh growth
TO form the farthcst western skirmish
line Of the Atlantic forest. These are
only illustrations of how trees love