200 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEEr 



stock, and crops, from the cold blasts of winter, is one of great 

 importc-mce to the farmers of "Wisconsin, and should induce the 

 immediate planting of trees where thej are needed, even if there 

 were no other reasons for doing so. I have, under several of 

 the species, indicated the characters of the trees that render them 

 useful for this purpose. Of course, the more rapid-growing trees 

 will first be planted, so as to secare, as soon as possible, the ex- 

 pected benefits ; but these should always be mingled with others 

 of slower growth and greater value. As the latter gradually 

 attain their maturity, the former may be removed to supply the 

 annual demand. By thus planting different kinds of trees to- 

 gether, we secure a more rapid and better growth ; for experi- 

 ence shows that trees when growing together, mutually protect 

 each other, and produce timber that is better — being more 

 straight, solid, and free from knots. Evergreens should be 

 planted with trees of deciduous kinds ; but care must always be 

 taken to prevent the too great interference of the branches. 



It would be out of place here to enter upon details of the best 

 mode of planting and of transplanting trees — any elementary 

 work will afford such information. The loss of a large number 

 of trees transplanted from the woods and nurseries, is owing to 

 improper tr jatment, and might be avoided by a little attention to 

 some of the most obvious principles of vegetable physiology. 

 Large numbers of evergreen trees are annually brought from 

 the northern part of this State, from Mackinac, &c., but not one 

 in ten of such trees usually survive the careless process of re- 

 moval. The proper way to remove trees from their native places 

 in the wood, is to cover the roots as soon as taken from the 

 ground with damp (not wet) moss, which can be secured with 

 twine. By adopting this course, nearly every tree, with careful 

 management after planting, will live. It would be well for ev- 

 ery one about to procure trees from the north, to remember this 

 hint. The trees can be packed in open boxes, and thus easily 

 transported. Every raft floating down our rivers, at the proper 

 season, could be made the means of supplying the country with 

 evergreen trees, by a little attention to the above suggestions. 



Those persons who are skilled in the business of the nursery- 



