246 TRANSACTIONS OF THE NORTHERN 



tamarack, or American larch, were also shown ; but it was staled that 

 this tree made a very feeble growth on dry land, while the same land 

 was well adapted to the European variety. 



Mr. Douglass gave a concise mode of planting. The two main 

 points are, to plant early in the spring ; and, in planting, to press the 

 earth firmly on the roots. This rule also applies to the planting of all 

 coniferous trees. 



Mr. Dunlap stated that he had planted three acres of the larch in 

 the spring of eighteen seventy-one. and not more than three per cent, 

 were lost in planting, but many plants were destroyed by the white grub. 

 The cost of planting and culture was about twenty dollars for the two 

 years; a'dd to this thirty dollars per acre for the plants, and the total 

 cost for that time is about fifty dollars per acre. He had a plantation 

 of larch fifteen years old, standing four feet each way, that in no wise 

 appear crowded, and they promise to grow in this close proximitj' for 

 some years to come, and pcriuips uatil they reach a size suitable for ties/ 



SECTIONS OF THE LARCH. - 



Mr. Robert Douglass, of Waukegan, presented sections of the. 

 European larch. C)ne was a section of tree thirteen years old, from the 

 larch-forest of D. C. Scofield, of Elgin, of about one foot in diameter^ 

 showing an annual growth of nearly one inch. Another section of 

 Scotch pine, from seed sown by William Hill, of Dundee, Kane County,' 

 was of yet larger growth. This wood bears a good polish, and, for fin- 

 ishing, will prove popular, as it is well adapted to the use of varnish. 

 The Venice turpentine of commerce is extracted from the wood of this 

 tree, which is pretty good evidence of its durability, as turpentine is a 

 great protector of timber from decay. 



Mr. S. Edwards from the Committee on Timber Ornamental Trees.. 

 Read the following paper : 



TIMBER PLANTING. 

 Mr. President : ■ 



From the many able and exhaustive papers, which have been read 

 within a few years past, before this and kindred societies, it has seemed 

 impossible to prepare anything new for your consideration on this great 

 subject of Timber Planting — one which should engage the zealous labors 

 of every patriot, ]..hilanthropist, or Christian — for the religion which is 

 satisfied with anytliing less than earnest efforts for the highest physical 

 well-being of the race,, stops short of imitating the example of our Great 

 Teacher. 



