285 



for practical purposes in many situations, ancf it is probable that 

 future experiments will further extend its application. 



Circular loi, just issued by the Forest Service, United States 

 Department of Agriculture, describes and illustrates the open- 

 tank equipment. It can be had upon application to the Forester" 

 United States Department of Agriculture. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR FORliST PLANTING ON THE SEMTARID PLAINS. 



The Forest Service has just issued a circular devoted to the 

 interests of forest planters in the western portions of Kansas, 

 Nebraska, and Oklahoma, northwestern Texa?, eastern Colorado, 

 and New Mexico. 



This entire region is practically treeless. Here and there, of 

 course, trees have been planted, but forest planting has in no 

 way kept pace with agricultural development. There is real need 

 for forest growth. Bv careful selection of the species, the choice 

 of suitable sites, and proper management of plantations, enough 

 forest can be grown to exercise a marked effect upon farm 

 development and to supply wood for most domestic purposes. 

 The object of the circular is to show just what it is practicable 

 to undertake in the way of such plantations. Planting may be 

 done for anv one of three chief purposes — protection, wood sun- 

 ply and shade. 



A windbreak consists of one or two rows of trees planted 

 primarily for the purpose of checking the force of the wind. 

 The term ''shelter-belt" is applied to larger groups of trees which 

 form forest conditions and serve a protective purpose. Any 

 species which is adapted to the region may be used for wind- 

 breaks. Where evergreens will succeed, however", they are more 

 desirable, since they afford better winter protection than deciduous 

 trees. A windbreak consisting of a single row should be com- 

 posed of a densely growing species with branches close to the 

 ground. 



The main use of windbreaks is to shelter an orchard or a resi- 

 dence site, to prevent hot winds from scorching field crops, and 

 to conserve soil moisture within the protected area. They may 

 ?lso be planted in open pastures for the protection of stock. In- 

 cidentally, the windbreak may furnish useful material, but it must 

 be placed where it will afford the most effective protection, with- 

 out much reference to the character of the soil. 



