9S TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Mr. P'lagg — Not exactly. My statement is this. I do not believe 

 that the prairie of central and northern Illinois is the natural habitation 

 of trees. The very existence of these prairie lands, shows an ori):^i- 

 //d/ unfitness for tree growth. I do not think that the prairie states are 

 going to be immediately fitted for all kinds of tree growths. I think 

 that such trees as the Cottonwood and White Elm must pioneer the 

 way for other growths. 



My opinion is that the growth of such trees makes the soil fit for 

 other growths; my observation is that Evergreens are not as healthy in 

 the northern as in the south part of the State. There are exceptions 

 however to this. 



Mr. Douglass — Don't you think the coal smoke in and about our 

 cities has an effect upon our evergreen trees .' I notice this in particu- 

 lar, about Springfield. 



Mr. Flagg — Yes, I think it does have some influence. 



Mr. Scofield — I live in the northern part of the State, and I con- 

 tend that Ave are not unfavorably located in this particular of tree growth ; 

 particularly in the growth of Conifers. Take such trees as the Norwav 

 Spruce, and Scotch Pine, and where do they grow better.' 1 am satis- 

 fied that coal smoke is detrimental to the healthfulness of our ever- 



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greens. 



Mr. Flagg — I will state that the facts are against the gentleman, 

 as reported by Mr. Edwards. He then read that portion of his report 

 which refers to evergreens upon the prairies. 



Mr. Douglass did not think 1\\r. Flagg right in stating that the 

 Cottonwood and other soft-wood deciduous trees are "pioneers." 



Cottonwood will grow in wetter ground than most Conifers ; but 

 these will thrive in northern and central Illinois where the soil is not too 

 wet, and where not poisoned by coal smoke. 



He had furnished Mr. Elliott — Industrial Agent for the Kansas Pa- 

 cific Railway company — with a quantity of European Larch, one third of 

 which were planted at Wilson in pleasant weather and lived well ; the 

 balance were taken on to Ellis and Pond Creek and planted in cold, wet 

 weather ; these did tolerably well, but a harlstorm killed many of them. 

 Some were planted in a " dip hole " or low place and did not, of course, 

 s'lcceed as well as those on higher land. 



He thought we have the greatest encouragement to plant trees up- 

 on the prairies, and plant extensively. 



