192 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



FOREST TREE CULTURE. 



BY SAMUEL EDWARDS, MENDOTA. 



S. M. Sla(/r. Fr<'si(l('nt. and FeJIoic-Meinbers 



()f the Horficiilfin-al Socidy of Xortlwni Jl/inois: 



■"Oil. for a lod^'e in some vast wilderness" is the piteous cry. 

 brought on the switt wings of the relentless north wind, as it goes 

 howling past from the broad prairies of the northwest. How strange 

 that so little heed is given to it — that residents do not make it their 

 first business to prepare the soil, plant and cultivate rapid growing 

 trees to shelter these homes for millions of human beings, and scores 

 of millions of animals, whose piteous cries and shivering forms ap- 

 peal so loudly for the comfort which should and could be easily, 

 cheaply and quickly provided for them. 



" The merciful man is merciful to his beast." " The tender 

 mercies of the wicked are cruel." Oh, for an apostle of mercy, with 

 the zeal and eloquence of Paul, to proclaim over the length and 

 breadth of these wind-swept plains the gospel of comfort to man 

 and beast. 



Powerful as are the arguments advanced by those advocating 

 timber cultui'e for its use when matured, in my opinion the benefits 

 to be derived in amelioration of climate, would be far greater and 

 sooner realized. Careful investigation of the subject from either 

 standi)oint, will satisfy any one tliat it is a necessary work of huge 

 proportions, the earnest beginning of which has been too long de- 

 layed. 



Did not Congress make a sad mistake in passing the "' Timber 

 Culture Act,"' that they did not scatter broadcast and give to each 

 applicant for land full directions as to preparation of soil, varieties 

 adapted to dift'erent localities, modes of planting and cultivation? 

 The importance of immediate, intelligent prosecution of the work, 

 seems to warrant amendments to the act, one of which should be the 

 appointment of a competent man in each land district to give per- 

 sonal instruction and supervision. 



At present, in most cases, the object had in view by framers of 

 the act is not accomplished, and it is respectfully suggested that 

 this Society take steps to bring the matter before Congress at once, 

 urging that provision be made for proper instruction and honest 

 work in the future, by those who avail themselves of the benefit of 

 the act. 



The nations of Europe have the planting, care and cutting of 

 forests, specially and minutely, under control of government. Is it 

 not high time that we exercise like prudence? 



Prairie can be l:)roken in summer^ stirred in the fall, again in 

 spring, putting it in good condition to receive seeds, cuttings or trees. 

 Nut-bearing trees make more rapid growth if the nuts are planted 



