90 



growth, with the object of finding out how manybtill lived after such hard usage. In 

 one instance 53 per cent, recovered and made some growth ; in the other 58 per cent, 

 gave evidence of life, by throwing out new shoots and rootlets. 



With each consignment the following circular of instructions was mailed : 



Dominion of Canada, 



Department op Agriculture, 



Central Experimental Farm, 



Ottawa, April, 1890. 



Dear Sir, — A package containing one hundred forest tree seedlings has been 

 mailed to you this day, and your attention is specially called to the following 

 instructions : — 



When the trees are received, unpack at once and wet the roots. If unable to 

 plant immediately, store them in a cool cellar, or heel them in out of doors, covering 

 them completely with moist earth. Situation. — When selecting a site for planting, 

 if possible choose a loamy and friable soil on a northern slope. A piece that has 

 been summer-fallowed is preferable. Avoid southern exposures, as trees in such 

 eituations are liable to be injured by alternate freezing and thawing in the spring 

 and by the hot winds in summer. Preparation of soil. — Work the ground from 12 

 to 15 inches deep and pulverise thoroughly; mark out rows 4 feet apart, running 

 north and south. Planting. — Cut back to the living wood any tops that may be 

 withered or otherwise injured. Do not expose the roots to the sun or wind for a 

 minute, as the tender seedlings are quickly injured by such exposure. A good plan, 

 is to carry the seedlings to the field m a pail of water, from which they are planted. 

 Set deep, 4 feet apart each way, putting the box elders and cottonwoods in the. 

 outside rows. If the soil is dry, pour water in the holes when half filled. Press 

 the earth firmly about the roots in all cases, and leave the tree in a slight basin, 

 with the top soil loosely laid on; it shoul d be kept in this loosecondition by frequent 

 stirrings during the growing season. Where practicable plant corn in ihe inter- 

 spaces of the north and south rows, and leave the stalks standing over winter. The 

 corn will serve as a summer shade and assist in collecting snow through the winter. 

 Cultivate at least once a week during the growing season; afterwards, sufficiently 

 often to keep the weeds down. This treatment should be continued annually until 

 the trees are large enough to shade the ground. Mulch heavily each year in the 

 fall with straw, manufe or prairie hay, which is removed in spring when cultivation 

 begins. 



You will be expected to take such notes during the growing period as will 

 unable 3'ou to make a report at the close of the season on the behaviour of each 

 variety, giving soil and exposure. Eeports will be expected, whether favourable 

 or unfavourable. 



Yours truly, 



JOHN CEAIG, 

 Wm. Saunders, director. Horticulturist. 



This line of experimental work has been so well received and has met with 

 such hearty suppoi-t from those most concerned, that instructions have been given 

 by the Minister of Agriculture to make another distribution next spring, sending 

 out double the number distributed last year, and making such changes in regard to 

 varieties as experience may warrant. 



The work of testing larger sized forest trees on the North-Western plains was also 

 continued. There was sent to twenty-five of the experimental gardens belonging to 

 Canadian Pacific Euilway a bundle of 125 trees of the hardiest sorts from 4 to 6 

 feet in height. These were distributed along the line from Moose Jaw to the Rocky 

 Mountains. Among the Indian agencies there were also distributed about 3,000 



