142 Forestry Quarterly. 



Dr. Feriiow. The object of the experiment as stated by Dr. 

 Fernow was as follows : " The object of this experimental plant- 

 ing is to test the adaptabilit}- of various conifers for forest plant- 

 ing on the Western Plains and especially in the sand-hill region 

 of Nebraska, and also to find out whether or not dense planting 

 without special preparation and cultivation of the soil is prefer- 

 able to wider spacing with cultivation. It is also intended to 

 compare the success of mulched with that of unmulched parts, 

 and the behavior of various combinations of kinds in varying 

 widths of planting." 



In planning the experiment, Dr. Fernow had in mind to make 

 the conifer the dominant factor in the plantation, using the 

 deciduous-leaved species for filling and nurse trees. 



The following conifers were planted Bull-pine, {Piniis poyi- 

 de?'osa), Scotch Pine {Pimis syhestris), Banksian Pine {Pi7ius 

 divaricatd) . 



Of these species Dr. Fernow had the greatest faith in the Bull- 

 pine, mostl}' because indications would p(nnt to the fact that this 

 species of Western pine once occurred in at least parts of this 

 region. The Scotch Pine was used because of the success with 

 which this species has been grown in other parts of Nebraska 

 and in Kansas. The Banksian Pine was planted because of its 

 adaptability to poor sandy soil, being native to the large tracts 

 of loose, sandy, drift soil in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The 

 deciduous-leaved species were composed of black locust, birch, 

 box elder, hackberr)', black cherry and red oak. The last- 

 named two species were intended for permanent trees should they 

 prove sufficiently adapted to the severe conditions. It will be 

 seen from the above that the experiment was of unusual practical 

 and economic value and its inception marked the beginning of 

 experimental forestry among the sand-hills of Nebraska. Plan- 

 ning an experiment of this nature is only one feature of the work. 

 The difficulty of carrying out all the details of all its provisions 

 soon became apparent. The materials used for planting did not 

 arrive in the best condition, nor were the plants of the best 

 quality. But in spite of all these obstacles one great lesson has 

 been learned which has practically solved the problem of cloth- 

 ing with forests this large tract of practically barren land, and to 

 bring it into the production of valuable timber. The experi- 

 ment, after the lapse of twelve j'ears, has fully substantiated the 



