8 AGEICULTUEAL OBSERVATIONS ON TRUCKEE-CAESON PROJECT. 



NORWAY POPLAR. 



The Norway- poplar is very similar to the Carolina poplar in ap- 

 pearance. Some nurserymen claim that it makes a more rapid 

 growth, but we have been unable to observe any difference between 

 the, two varieties on the Truckee-Carson project. 



COTTONWOOD AND BALM OF GILEAD. 



The Cottonwood {Populiis deltoides) and balm of Gilead {Populus 

 'bahmnifera) are desirable species of the poplar family. Both species 

 have a more spreading habit than the Carolina poplar and probably 

 do not make such rapid growth. The j)istillate or female cotton- 

 woods are not so desirable, on account of their habit of shedding 

 " cotton." Cuttings from staminate or male stocks produce trees 

 that do not have this defect. Either species is easily propagated from 

 cuttings, or seedlings of the cottonwood may be obtained along the 

 watercourses, where they grow abundantly. 



BLACK LOCUST. 



The black locust {Rohinia jysendacacia) makes a rapid growth and 

 produces an excellent timber for farm purposes. The wood is hard 

 and tough, making it valuable for fuel, whiffletrees, crossbars, ax 

 handles, and general repair work. It is slow to decay when in con- 

 tact with the soil, so that it is one of the best materials to use for 

 fence posts. "V^^ien the black locust is cut down new shoots put out 

 from the stump and grow straighter and with greater rapidity than 

 the original tree. It has the bad habit of suckering, so that the locust 

 plantation is liable to grow up into an impenetrable thicket unless 

 it is well cared for. The tree is easilv grown from seed, or it mav be 

 propagated from root cutiings. Seed can be obtained from nurseries 

 in the Central States at about TO cents a pound, or 1-year-old seedling 

 trees can be purchased for about $3 a thousand. 



TAMARISK. 



The tamarisk {Tamarix sp.) is a quick-growing tree or shrub, 

 useful for windbreaks and hedges. The foliage is light and feathery 

 and decidedl}^ ornamental. It is easily grown from cuttings, which 

 will be supplied by the experiment station during the early spring 

 months. These cuttings are from 8 to 10 inches in length, and for 

 windbreaks or hedges shouxd be set in the ground 2 feet apart in 

 the roAY. This will make a beautiful, dense hedge within two years. 

 Cutting back the ends of the branches each winter will cause it to 

 branch more and result in a thicker hedge. 



[Cir. 78] 



