202 WISCONSIN AGKICULTURE. 



Ij of ordinary size could therefore be supplied from ten acres of 

 timber without diminution of the quantity on the land. By se- 

 lecting always, for removal, the poorest and least thrifty trees, 

 and by a proper care of the remainder even a less number of 

 acres may be made to afford this supply. Almost every farmer 

 has on his grounds a least this amount of land over the quanti- 

 ty which he wishes to cultivate annually in crops ; and by plant, 

 ing it to trees he may be securing to himself and his posterity 

 quietly and gradually numerous blessings. 



If our several Eailroad Companies could be made to see their 

 true interest and to act upon it, they would immediately plant 

 rows of trees and a hedge along both sides of their roads. These 

 by their growth would save the cost of fencing and supply the 

 ties and timber that will very soon be wanted to repair and to 

 renew their structure. Different kinds of trees should be select- 

 ed to suit the different qualities of soil. What a beautiful fea- 

 ture this would give to the landscape ! It would afford shelter 

 and shade to the trains. The trees and hedges might be so dis- 

 posed as to keep off the bleak winds in winter and prevent in a 

 great degree those accumulations of snow that now so often stop 

 the trains. 



The Illinois Central Eailroad Company have contracted for 

 the planting of three rows of locust trees on each side of the Ill- 

 inois Central Eailroad for the distance of one hundred and twen- 

 ty miles. The rows are to be set eight feet apart, and the trees 

 three feet from each other. In eight years, it is said, the trees 

 will furnish ties in place ot those which have become rotten. 

 They will also furnish a delightful shade in summer, and a pro- 

 tection from the snow drifts in winter. 



Upon the completion of our several lines of Eailroads, when 

 the officers shall have time to think of other things besides the 

 first construction, it is hoped that greater attention will be given 

 to this subject. 



That the great forests of Wisconsin are rapidly disappearing 

 will be quite evident to any one who will reflect a moment upon 

 the vast amount of wood annually consumed for fuel by the 

 people for domestic purposes, by the railroad locomotive, and by 



