LESSONS FROM OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCE. 275 



transplanted trees of the nut variety are usually of slow growth. 

 Under favorable conditions trees grown from the nuts begin to 

 bear in from seven to ten years, and attain a height of twenty to 

 twenty-five feet and a diameter of six inches. 



In planting windbreaks and forest trees many farmers are too 

 saving of their land and bunch the trees too close around the build- 

 ings, not leaving sufficient room about the house to admit of decora- 

 tion in planting ornamental trees and shrubs. On a 'arm of one 

 hundred and sixty acres at least ten acres should be used for trees, 

 garden, orchard, buildings, stock yards and lawn, and the tract 

 surrounded by a good windbreak. This permits the placing of 

 buildings far enough apart to reduce the fire risk to the minimum. 

 The barn should not be less than one hundred feet from the house, 

 and two hundred feet would be better. The barn and out-build- 

 ings should be far enough apart to prevent the danger of com- 

 bustion if one should burn. Within the enclosure there is room 

 for shade and ornamental trees. A nice lawn, with flower beds, 

 ornamental trees and shrubs should surround the house and add 

 beauty to the surroundings. 



The writer was much impressed recently by the ocular evidence 

 of the rapid settlement of a prairie country in a visit to Buffalo 

 Center, in Winnebago county, Iowa. The village has a popula- 

 tion of about one thousand, and was started on a treeless prairie 

 some fifteen years ago. On the site where the town lies one could 

 stand less than twenty-five years ago and could not see in either 

 direction any evidence of civilization whatever ; neither tree, build- 

 ing nor sign of any improvements. On September 27th, 28th 

 and 29th, 1904, was held the fifth annual agricultural fair, which 

 the writer attended, and the exhibit was very creditable, and a sur- 

 prise to one who looked on the broad, undulating prairies Only a 

 few years before. The display of fruits, apples, plums and grapes 

 was good. There was a fine exhibit of vegetables, seeds and grains, 

 and a creditable display of live stock. The town and surround- 

 ing country show evidence of progress and prosperity. Nice groves 

 have been planted ; comfortable and commodious farm residences 

 and barns have been efected; telephone and free delivery mail 

 routes established ; thrifty young orchards planted, and bearing 

 fruit. The transformation made in a few years in the settlement 

 and development of the country seems almost marvelous. These 

 evidences of advancement should instil in us new energy and lead 

 us to act well our part in the progress of the twentieth century. 



