The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-08-16
TREE PLANTING
ON The PRAIRIES
EXPERT FoREsTERs AT WORK
IN NORTH DAKOTA.
Two Parties Trayersing the Valleys of
the Red and James Suggestions
Sought for Improving Methods and
Lessening Constructor in Conserve
ing Moisture.
Special to The Josrnal,

Special to The Josrnal.
wahpeton, N D.. Aug 16.-Expert for
esters are at work in Richland county,
having Just arrived from South Dakota,
under the direction of the bureau of for
estry of the department of agriculture
Some little work of inspection has pre-.
viously been done, but the possibilities Of
tree planting are almost unknown,
Two forces of three men each are COW
ering the two states east Of the ninety
ninth meridian. They began at Sioux
Falls on July IL. The men are college
and university graduates of the best type.
Each party has driver, and proceeds in
two-seated carriage and camps out at
night. The party in this vicinity is under
the charge of J. P. Venting. expert for
est assistant In general he will follow
the west shore of the extinct glacial Lake
Agassiz, which constitutes the western
edge of the Red River valley, about twen-
ty-five to thirty five miles west of the
Red river. He will continue toward Lari-
more and beyond, about to the Canadian
line. J. M. Fetherolf, assistant forester
is in charge of the entire force, and i'm
mediately of that which is taking a par
allel course to Mr.. Venting Mr. Feth-
croft travels about fifty miles farther west,
and will pass near the James river valley.
All persons in the areas named who own
thrifty groves, and also those who are
will assist this investigation.
The topography and climate of the Da-
kotas make tree plantations essential to
the highest development of the rich agri-
cultural lands. The rainfall west of the
Red river valley is less than in Nebraska
or Kansas, but this is largely neutralized
by the short crop seasons. The winds in
summer are hot and dry, and are about
the same velocity as in the two latter
states Because the rainfall is so sma
west of the Red river valley, and the
evaporation, accelerated by the high, dry
winds, is so great trees in abundance are
required to offset these disadvantages.
Properly selected, and planted as shelter
belts and Windbreaks, trees will greatly
increase the yield from all crops BY cut
ting down the force of the wind and con
serving moisture.
of tree planting that should specially an
peal to the residents of the Dakotas. The
long winters necessitate the use of a
great deal of fuel. This fuel can be grown
in few hundred yards from the house
far more cheaply than coal or wood can
be delivered by the railroads. The wood
lot will not only furnish fuel but fence
posts and general repair material needed
The first object of the bureau of for
estry in It's work in the Dakotas is to
| ascertain If the trees now growing there
are the species that can be most profit
ably planted. The study will also cover
the methods and cost Of the tree planting
! that has been done, with the expecta tior
OF offering suggestions for improving
t those methods and lessening the cost
Inc results Of this work cannot fail tc
! farmers t4ES*r y ~ 3E,F71 ~ '1A &c