Hardwood Planting, California 



345 



siderable admixture of loam, the result of lake and river deposits, 

 and in places there is much alkali and soda in this soil. 



In general, most of the soil of the valley is of sufficient quality 

 to support most species of hardwoods. However, only poor 

 growth can be expected on alkali or soda soils or wherever the 

 hardpan occurs close to the surface. 



Owens Valley has a semi-arid climate with an average of less 

 than 5 inches of rainfall. Most of the rain comes in winter and 

 only occasional showers occur during the summer. The monthly 

 mean temperature at Independence for a period of 15 years 

 varied from 40.2° F. to 78. G° F. with a mean annual temperature 

 of 58.1° F. 



The plantations established in the valley to meet the require- 

 ments of the Timber Culture Act were well cared for at the start 

 but most of them have since been neglected. The species planted 

 were Black locust, Lombardy poplar and cottonwood. A large 

 amount of planting has also been done for ornamental and wind- 

 break purposes and practically all of this work has been a decided 

 success. Generally, fast-growing, short-lived species have been 

 used, such as willow, poplar, and cottonwood. Black locusts, 

 Soft maples, Black walnuts, and Horse chestnuts have also been 

 planted for ornamental purposes and are doing excellently. 



A few measurements were taken in several Lombardy poplar 

 and Black locust groves, but because of the differences in the 

 character of the site and the degree of care given the trees, these 

 figures should only be regarded as approximate and suggestive 

 rather than as accurately indicating what may be expected in any 

 given case. Cottonwood has been planted to some extent in 

 rows, but no measurements were taken of this species. In every 

 case, however, the growth has been unusually rapid and diameters 

 of 20 to 30 inches have been attained within 30 years. 



The following table summarizes the data secured on the more 

 important groves in the valley : 



Grove Species 



Scott L. Poplar 



McNally . . . . L. Poplar 



Eaton B. Locust 



Eight-Mile.. .B. Locust 



Collins B. Locust 



Clark B. Locust 



