Omaha daily bee., 1905-07-10
TREE PLANTING ON THE PRAIRIE
Farmers should Choose Trees for
Their Timber as Well as for
Their Rapid Growth.

In the states of the middle west there is
pressing need OF more trees, both for wood
and for windbreaks and shelter-belts. This
need has been felt since the prairies were
first settled, but the attempts made - sup
ply II have, as a rule, fallen sho; ( the
benefits which might have been cured.
The early planting was done chiefy for the
sake of ornament or shade; the usefulness
of the species of wood was seldom consid-
cred. In many cases, also, trees were
planted outside of the range to which they
were adapted and on soil and in locations
unfavorable to them. On the other hand
many valuable species we're neglected
Experience has now furnished the basis
for better practice. Various kinds Of trees
can be grown in these regions which will
serve just as well for protection and oTna-
ment as those which have been most used
and which at the same time Will furnish
valuable wood. For several years the
bureau OF forestry has been investigating
this subject, with results which are recog-
nized throughout the prairie region as OF
great practical value. The work consists of
field studies OF the existing forest growth
both natural and PLANTED, of its relation to
soil and climatic conditions and OF the eff
feet OF various cultural methods.
In carrying on the work bureau field
parties examine and make measurements
OF representative groves. From these meas
urements. volume and yield tables are
made which show the returns in cordwood,
posts, stakes and lumber to be expected in
a given time for each Of the species studied.
In addition to the measurements the char
actetistics Of growth and reproduction of
the trees are noted, and valuable data on
| the natural distribution and advisable
planting range obtained.
The work in the eastern part of the two
| Dakotas, western Minnesota, Illinois, east
| ern Nebraska and western Kansas is al
| ready done. A bulletin based on the study
In western Kansas has been published
giving information concerning the species
most suitable TO the locality, and telling
how and where to plant them Bulletins
| Of the same character covering other states
are in preparation. This summer Iowa will
be studied and later other states OF the
middle west, until the whole region is GOV.
cred. Considerable tree planting has beer
done in some of these states occasionally
with complete success; but there have beer
many total failures, and many attempt.
successful only in part. As a rule, the
lack Of success was due TO lack OF knowl
edge Of how and what to plant. But thes,
plantations, whether successful or not. pro
vide valuable object lessons in respect I,
future planting.
An important part OF the study will be &
determine to what extent the natural kores
growth along streams and elsewhere is en-
croaching upon the drier upland IN conse
quence Of the protection from fire whlcl
settlement gives. Where this nativ
growth can be utilized It may be advisable
to encourage IT, Generally. however, tn
planting of species obtained from a dis
lance will be necessary. The problem is l.
establish on the fertile prairies OF tn
middle west the trees that will grow
rapidly and thus quickly furnish protection
from the drying winds OF summer and tn
bleak winds OF winter, while at the sam
time yielding the timber most desirable 70
J. farm construction purposes and possibi
| for lumber. II is the intention OF tn
{ bureau TO determine exactly which are tn
most suitable species. and how they shout
be planted and cultivated to secure the bes
} suceess-Boston Transcript.