116 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



some very poorly managed, so that our results I think represent condi- 

 tions as they actually exist. The results therefore are not based upon 

 theory. There are a number of points I might allude to in this dis- 

 cussion, but perhaps if I confine myself to the history of the particular 

 plantations that we have figured on as type of the plantations referred 

 to, I will have exhausted my time. 



FOREST PLANTING IN EASTERN NEBRASKA. 



FEANK G. MILLEE, PEOFESSOE OF FOBESTEY, UNH'EESITY OF NEBEASKA. 



PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. 



The study of forest plantations in eastern Nebraska upon which this 

 report is based was made to ascertain the tree species best suited for 

 planting in the region. To this end the species planted in the past were 

 studied with reference to their silvical requirements, notes were made 

 on the effect of different methods of planting, and typical plantations 

 were measured to find the amount and value of the product. 



THE REGION. 



The region covered by this report includes that part of Nebraska east 

 of the ninety-ninth meridian. 



TOPOGRAPHY, DRAINAGE, SOIL. 



Eastern Nebraska is a broad plateau sloping gently from the west 

 toward the Missouri river. The surface is diversified by many valleys 

 and by large areas of bottomland. Away from the streams the topography 

 is often marked by rolling hills and steep slopes. 



The entire region is drained by numerous small streams flowing into 

 the Niobrara, Elkhorn, Platte, and Nemaha rivers, which, in turn, are 

 tributary to the Missouri. 



The soil is well adapted to tree growth. For the most part it is a 

 loess — that is, a fine, sandy loam — mixed with a large quantity of silt 

 and more or less calcareous matter. This absorbs water readily and 

 retains it for long periods, especially where surface cultivation is given. 



Toward the sand-hills the soil supports practically no natural forest 

 growth, and the little tree planting done is confined chiefly to the val- 

 leys. Recent experiments, however, have demonstrated that some species 

 of pine trees can be planted successfully on the sand-hills proper. 



CLIMATE. 



The region is characterized by rather severe winters and warm sum- 

 mers, sudden and extreme changes of temperature, wide seasonal and 

 yearly deviation in precipitation, a clear, pure, moderately dry atmos- 

 phere, and a high percentage of sunshine. 



The prevailing winds are from the south and southeast during the 

 spring and summer and from the northwest in fall and winter. Their 



