I 



STATE HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETT. 187 



the Rocky mountains. In its uncultivated state its normal condi- 

 tion seems one of aridity and sterility. The grass is generally short 

 and scanty except in the low grounds. The sod is hard, and be- 

 neath it is still harder and more compact; the whole surface of the 

 country shedding the rainfall better than an average board shanty. 

 In a dry time the surface, under the exposure of hot suns and 

 scorching winds, becomes parched and cracked into innumerable 

 fissures, sometimes and in some localities to an extent that it ren- 

 ders traveling on horseback a dangerous exercise. I have seen 

 large tracts of our own Minnesota prairie in this condition, and of 

 no more apparent value to the casual observer than so many acres 

 of blue sky. Not a tree, bush or shrub within sight. Practically 

 a desert. While the frost is coming out the soil gets somewhat 

 ameliorated, and occasional showers permit the process of breaking 

 the sod. This is the first step in arresting the aridity. The sod 

 soon rots. Then set the plow down as deep as you can navigate 

 it, bringing up to the surface as much fresh dirt as possible. You 

 have now got it where it feels the effect of rainfall. It don't shed 

 rain like a duck's back any longer. Continue the preparation of 

 the soil by repeated and deeper plowings. When you yet some- 

 where in the neighborhood often or twelve inches of mellow ground, 

 stick in the cottonwood and box elder seedlings, also seeds of the 

 green ash and some willow cuttings. Apply the cultivator. Soon 

 the process of 



SUBSOILINQ 



commences. Summoning the silent forces of nature the young 

 seedlings and the seeds and cuttings commence the process of sub- 

 soiling by thrusting forth innumerable roots. Silently, slowly, 

 surely, yet with irresistable power, they penetrate the soil. They 

 are hunting for food and drink. They are commencing the strug- 

 gle for existence. At this critical period the intelligent tree plant- 

 er steps in and assists nature by the cultivation of the surface soil. 

 With this timely assistance the young plants redouble their exer- 

 tions. The moisture is pumped to their extremities — their circu- 

 lation is health; they grow both ways — their roots tearing away 

 towards the bowels of the earth with a vigor and energy that puts 

 to shame the best efforts of the most ponderous locomotive engine. 

 From one season to another the subsoiling process goes on; the 

 roots grow larger, longer, and stronger, getting down below the 

 influence of scorching winds and blazing sun, The body and 

 branches shoot up toward the sun, after heat, light, and air. The 



