143 



IV.— FOEKSTEY. 



Distribution of Seedling Forest Trees. 



This line of experimental work, inaugurated in 1890, has met with such hearty 

 4ipproval and co-operation at the hands of the settlers of the North-West Provinces 

 and Territories, that it was decided by the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture 

 to double the number of seedling trees sent out the first year. Accordingly, about 

 200,000 trees were distributed, each packae^e being prepared for mailing in the same 

 manner as that described in the report for 1890. 



The records show that 260 post offices in Manitoba received 1,022 packages, 

 while 130 post offices in the North-West Territories received 883 packages. Ninety- 

 five bundles were distributed throughout the Dominion to specialists who are par- 

 ticularly interested in forest extension and preservation. 



With a few exceptions, each package contained the following selection: — 



About 500 Dwarf Mountain pines (Pinus Montana) were also sent out, being 

 ■occasionally substituted for varieties which were exhausted before the total number 

 •of packages was completed. More than 300 reports have been received, going to 

 show that the trees, with few exceptions, arrived in good condition and made fair 

 progress during the first season. 



It has, howevei', been uniformly noted that Honey Locust, Black Locust, Black 

 Walnut and Russian Mulberry did not ripen their wood sufficiently to escape injury 

 by the first autumn frost. It is not expected that these varieties will succeed at any 

 point in the noth-western country. Settlers are specially cautioned in regard to the 

 Eussian Mulberry, which is often unwarrantably lauded on account of alleged hardi- 

 ness, and are advised to be content for the present with the best varieties of native' 

 trees; when with these a certain amount of shelter has been obtained, other less 

 reliable varieties may in a limited way be tested. 



A collection of forest trees of larger size was also sent by express to the super- 

 intendents of Indian agencies, to officers commanding the various posts ot mounted 

 police, and to each of the trial gardens of the Canadian Pacific Eailway. 



