The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-03-20
PROF. LEE AND CLASS
IN FORESTRY BEGIN AN
ARgoRETuM FOR /. s.u.
Every Species of Tree In the State
To Be Planted on the
Lake Front.


as is known, is being established on
the campus of the Louisiana State
University under the direction Of Prof.
]. G. Lee, professor of forestry and
horticulture.
1--WE have, in the State of Louisiana,
about 200 native trees and shrubs"
said Prof Lee, land our aim, primarily,
is to familiarize the students of forestry
with our own trees and give them prac-
tical instruction in the care for and
the value of the different species"
Experiments will be conducted to select
the best types of trees for various
purposes, and data will be collected
from year to year to show the growth
and habits of the different species
under varying conditions.
A plot of ground peculiarly fitted for
this forest is found between the ath-
letic park and the bayou that drains
the University Lake. In this four or
fve-acre tract there is sufficient varia-
ton of soil and moisture to make the
growing of all of the different native
trees possible.
The upland or arboretum proper en-
[bracing about an acre and half, has
been laid off already with circular
driveway skirting its edges. Along this
driveway considerable number Of
trees have already been planted, and
more are being set as fast as they can
be collected from all parts of the state.
These are being grouped in families SO
as to give the most pleasing effect
from the point of view of the artistic
Landscape Between the larger trees
native shrubs will be planted, and the
vines will cover some of the trees as
they do in the natural forests.
AS much of the work as is possible
is being done by students. Landscape
classes were required to prepare de-
tailed plans for the arboretum before
it was laid out, and the actual planting
is done by the forestry classes. These
latter will also collect data as to
growth from year to year, while receiv.
ing practical lessons In pruning and
care Of forest trees.
Forest plantations-that Is, groups
of trees in the natural arrangement
have been planted on the low land near
the bayou. Here one may soon see
small forests of cypress, sycamore,
tupelo gum, willow, etc., growing as
they do along Louisiana bayous and
streams
About fifty different species have
been planted already. Many Of these
have been grown in the nursery here
with this purpose In view. Others are
being received constantly from people
in different sections of the state. Prof
Lee, however, anticipates a good deal
more trouble in collecting the other
species, since only the more common
ones are generally known.
Along the western side of the plot
adjoining the Y. & M. v. railroad right
of-way, rows of black locust and hardy
catalpa have already been planted.
These species are of particularly quick
growth and are being experimental
with by many railroad companies with
the idea of future cross-tie supply.
AS the arboretum is perfected other
Experiments with native as we'll as
foreign trees will be conducted as
extension work.
President Boyd has had the idea Of
an arboretum in mind for years." said
Prof. Lee, "and l have been making
plans and planting seeds preparatory
to this beginning for two or three years.
But at last the actual work has begun,
and we expect to have a splendid col
lection of trees native to this state in
about five years. So far as am able
to learn this Is the only arboretum Of
its kind In the country, certainly the
iOn1y one In the South