Section IV., 1894. [ 143 ] Trans. Eot. Soc. Canada. 



X. — Remits of Exptiiinents in Tree-planting on the Northwest Plains. 

 By Wm. Saunders, F.L.S., F.C.S., Director Experimental Farms. 



(Read May -25, 1894.) 



Six years ago the testing of trees and slirubs suitable for planting on the Northwest 

 plains was begun at the experimental farms at Brandon, Manitoba, and at Indian Head, 

 N.W.T. In no other part of the Dominion do the inhabitants manifest so much interest in 

 tree-planting, and in order that the fullest information might be available to guide the 

 settlers in their efforts in tree-growing, a large number of varieties from the eastern pro- 

 vinces and from Europe were included in the tests. It was expected that many of these 

 would jjrove tender, and the expectations in this particular have been fully realized. The 

 tests in most cases have been very thorough, and by disseminating information regarding 

 these failures much good has been done in deterring lovers of trees from wasting their 

 money in useless attempts to grow tender things. 



In 1889, 12,000 forest trees and shrubs were sent from the central experimental farm at 

 Ottawa to each of the bi-anch farms in the west. These consisted of 118 varieties, of which 

 about 60 per cent died before the following spring. In 1890 another consignment of about 

 21,000 was sent, of which a considerable number proved tender. Further supplies have 

 been forwarded each year since, and by persevering effort the failures in the shelter-belts 

 and plantations have gradually been made good by replanting with hardier sorts. 



A very large number of native trees have been grown both on the branch farms and at 

 the central farm from seed, especially of the box-elder (Negando aceroides), elm ( Ulmus Amer- 

 icana), ash {Fraxinus viridis), and oak (Quercus macrocarjxi), and these are succeeding admir- 

 ably. Several varieties of Russian poplars and willows have also done remarkably well, 

 particularly P. bereolensis, P. certinensis and the Voronesli willow. These have proven quite 

 as hardy as any of the natives and more rapid in their growth, and as they root readily 

 from cuttings they have been much multiplied in that way, not only on the experimental 

 farms but also among the settlers in different parts of the country. The success which has 

 attended the growth of trees on the experimental farms has awakened increased interest in 

 this subject and created a demand for trees which is increasing every year. As the result 

 of the work of from five to six years there are now growing on the Itranch farm at Indian 

 Head about 120,000 trees and shrubs, and about 75,000 on the branch farm at Brandon. 

 These are planted so as to form avenues, clumps, shelter-belts and hedges. A belt 100 feet 

 wide, with trees five feet apart each way, has been planted on the farm at Brandon along 

 the west boundary for about a mile, and on the Indian Head farm a belt of similar width 

 along both the west and north boundaries for about one and three-(piarter miles. 



Early in 1890 it was announced in several of the !N^orthwest newspapers that packages 



