258 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



THE PINES AND THEIR COMPARATIVE VALUE 

 IN MINNESOTA. 



C. E. OLDER, LUVERNE. 



In the subject assigned to me for this meeting, I shall treat 

 largely of all evergreens hardy enough and desirable for the 

 prairie portion of this state. 



We all recognize the fact that in the northern, or pine land, 

 part of our state the white pine is the tree of all others of com- 

 mercial value — and I also see that the United States government 

 thinks the same, as they are setting out millions and millions 

 of white pine in some of the sandy counties of Nebraska as a 

 forest reserve. But for the prairie portion of Minnesota the 

 white pine does not thrive so well as some other evergreens. 

 The Scotch pine, Austrian pine, ponderosa and jack pine, with 

 the spruces, white and Norway, with balsam fir and red cedar 

 properly procured, properly arranged, properly planted and prop- 

 erly cared for, will do well and change the climate from frigid to 

 temperate, and a cold, storm-swept farmyard to one of com- 

 parative comfort — and whatever contributes to the comfort of 

 man or beast adds to the value as well as the pleasure of the one 

 providing it. While I would not discard the growing -of the de- 

 ciduous trees or groves, I would use them largely as a protec- 

 tion for young evergreens which, holding their foliage during 

 winter, when it is most needed, give the best protection and the 

 best satisfaction. 



As we drive over the country we see with regret and sad- 

 ness the indifference of some of our people to the beauty and 

 comfort of a bright green evergreen grove or hedge, with its back- 

 ground of white, and also to its value in home protection. 



One of the chief values of the evergreen is that it modifies 

 the severity of the climate in winter and has a cooling influence 

 in summer. This is the reason that in the northern part of the 

 state, that is covered with finest timber, the climate is not so 

 severe in winter as on the southern and western prairies. 



Evergreens are easily and safely handled, but no exposure to 

 sun or wind can be allowed if you wish the trees to live. 



I cannot close this paper without a few suggestions : Get 

 your plants as near your own home as possible. Do not deal 

 with an agent, but send to a reliable nurseryman who grows his 

 trees. Open the box in cellar or shed and puddle the roots im- 

 mediately. Keep from the air and plant deep and solid. Care for 

 them as for any vegetable crop, and in a few years enjoy the 

 fruits of your labor and rest in the shade and protection of your 

 beautiful evergreen trees. 



