TRANSACTIONS OF HORTICUI-TURAL SOCIETY OF NORTHERN ILL 



307 



The swamp and peat lands afford fine examples of the former condi- 

 tion of things; the rolling prairies, dry and sandy, afford just as fine 

 illustrations of the latter condition of things; and many places are com- 

 binations of both. 



The treeless character of the marsh-built prairies is satisfactorily 

 accounted for by Prof Lesquereaux's theory of the origin and formation 

 of our prairies. 



The treeless character of the elevated prairies must be accounted for 

 by the nature of the soil itself, and the natural tendency of an herbaceous, 

 rather than of arboreal vegetation, to gain and keep possession of the 

 territory where once it has obtained a foot-hold, aided perhaps by fires 

 and other local causes. 



These views of mine may contain erroneous suggestions. This is 

 one of the vexed problems in a great science. No one can, perhaps, solve 

 this problem until wider observations and closer study shall have given 

 more data for scientific conclusions. My own opinions are formed from 

 observations of the prairies in this part of the State. 



As already intimated, I am satisfied no one theory will explain all 

 the phenomena as to the origin and formation of our prairies. Combined 

 causes, operating with different degrees of force in different parts of the 

 great prairie regions of the country — sometimes one cause predomina- 

 ting, sometimes another, and sometimes all together — are more in 

 harmony, it seems to me, with the effects left for our observation. 



These thoughts suggest the practical conclusions which horticulturists 

 and agriculturists may draw from the character of our treeless prairie 

 soils. The lesson to be learned is perhaps this : In the first place select 

 one of nature's orchard spots in which to plant trees and vines and 

 forests, if that be possible. A light soil, porous subsoil, sheltered, sunny 

 exposure, and well-drained slope or hill-side, is the favored spot. Then 

 plant in proper season, of the best and hardiest varieties, in holes dug big 

 as little cellars. Take care of the young trees, feed them with fertilizers 

 and good cultivation, wage war with their insect enemies, and in due 

 time an abundant fruitage, even on the prairies in this climate, will be 

 the result. 



If nature has not made for you such an orchard or forest spot, then 

 you must make it yourself Do artificially what nature has left undone 

 on the treeless prairies. Drain and underdrain, and best of all tile-drain 

 your level, water-soaked soil. Plow and subsoil plow ; manure and feed 

 with fertilizers ; throw up the earth from below that the kissing .sunshine 

 and the frosts may pulverize and sweeten it; plant shelter-belts to modify 

 and sift the blistering winds; and in this way an orchard or vineyard or 

 grove may be made to grow and blossom and bear abundant fruitage. 

 Cultivation will banish the primeval grasses and make the treeless plains 

 bloom with blossoms, green in groves and rich in fruitage ; and we will 

 hear no more about these treeless prairies being unfit for Eden gardens, 

 where men shall sit beneath their vines and richly-laden apple-trees. 



The cultivation of trees has kept pace with the progress of civiliza- 

 tion in all ages of the world. In the childhood of the world, when the 



