604 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



is in absolutely perfect condition at the present time. The close spacing, 

 3 1-2 by 6 feet, provided sufficient shade from the time the trees were 

 two years old to keep out all undergrowth, and at the same time shaded 

 off the lower limbs before they reached an objectionable size. The trees 

 have developed straight trunks clear of branches to a height of 25 feet. 

 One very noticeable feature of this plantation is the healthy condition of 

 the trees. Not a sign of the presence of fungi was observed. Another 

 condition noticed in this plantation in striking contrast to conditions 

 found in other plantations was the entire absence of dead and decaying 

 trees lying on the ground. Each year the dead material accumulating in 

 this plantation has been carefully gathered and utilized or destroyed. This 

 care has held the development of the fungus in check. 



When the trees were eleven years old one-half of them were cut out, 

 which left the remaining trees spaced 6x7 feet. Since that time a con- 

 siderable number of trees have been cut out to supply the demands of 

 the farm. The trees that were cut out when eleven years old were used 

 for posts as far as their size would permit. The posts were thoroughly 

 seasoned and the butt ends soaked in a solution of salt brine before they 

 were set. These posts after seventeen years of service are almost as 

 good as when set. The salt solution has probably helped to some extent 

 in preserving them. However, salt is readily soluble in water and soon 

 leaches out of wood that is placed in moist ground. 



The trees at present average about 40 feet in height with clean straight 

 boles 6 to 10 inches in diameter breast high. In thinning this plantation 

 the inferior trees have been removed and practically every tree now in the 

 plantation is a No. 1 tree. The estimated annual return of $20.34 per 

 acre, based on the present value of the posts that can be cut, is practically 

 a net return. The posts that have been cut up to the present time have 

 fully paid the cost of establishing and caring for the plantation. At this 

 figure the catalpa is a very profitable crop, but these returns can only be 

 secured by good care and proper management. 



IOWA county. 



This plantation is very irregular in outline and the total area was 

 not determined. The original plantation covered approximately 15 acres, 

 but on account of the unsuccessful growth of the catalpa on the more 

 sandy parts, the ground has been cleared and planted with white pine, 

 which is making an excellent growth. The site of the original catalpa 

 plantation is a hill top with a gentle slope in all directions. The soil 

 at the top of the hill is a light, loose sand that is too light to produce farm 

 crops. Down the hillside the soil improves and at the base of the hill 

 is a rich sandy loam. Two representative areas in this plantation were 

 selected. No. 1 as near the top of the hill as possible, and No. 2 at the 

 base of the hill. The description of each follows: 



Plot No. 1. This plot includes one-fourth of an acre. The soil is 

 light and very sandy. The site begins at the top of the hill and slopes 

 to the north. The trees on this site have made a very poor growth, partly 

 on account of the unfavorable soil and partly on account of the wide 



