SHELTER BELTS. 3871 
. twenty feet high. We ace over 200 rede of ack willow hedge, and 
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there were not over twenty limbs broken in that whole length. Dur- 
ing the past summer season the closest observer could not have 
noticed a break in that line of limbs and leaves by reason of that 
fearful storm. While this storm has occurred only once in thirty 
years, still it is to be remembered that it may occur again, and itis 
-wise to select trees that have the ability to withstand such storms 
without severe loss or disfigurement. We do not take time to speak 
in detail of how the cuttings of willows should be planted, as itis a 
matter which is familiar to all residents of the prairie; but suggest 
that it is wise to have these willows on the outskirts of the area to 
be protected, and that there be some three or more rods between the 
first row and the second row, in which the snow can lie during the 
winter months and not be heaped upon the other trees that would 
be broken by the drifts. Wealso like to have at least a rod inside 
of the second row of trees that is kept free for the same purpose. 
‘We find it advisable to sow these spaces with tame grasses, and so 
utilize the ground in growing timothy and clover. The grasses 
grow very weli quite close to the shelter belts, and the land is far 
from being useless. 
TREATMENT OF THE WILLOWS. 
After the willows have been cultivated for one or two seasons, as 
the farmer may elect, and the weeds kept thoroughly in subjection, 
with the ground well stirred so as to prevent the escape of moisture, 
there will be a very fine growth of young willows. We then like to 
take the old straw pile and refuse hay and mulch these trees quite 
heavily, so that no weeds or grass can by any means grow up 
through it. Wecrowd the mulch quite close to the willows, but not 
up against the limbs, and let it extend out from the willows about 
six feet on either side. This work can be done during the winter 
and spring months, when work in the field cannot be carried on- 
Trees so mulched are well cared for. They need no cultivation dur- 
ing the busy season, and they always have a neat and tidy appear- 
ance. The ground is always moist beneath this covering of hay and 
straw, and the willows, even in a dry season, make a most luxuriant 
growth. We have followed this method for over fifteen years and 
today we are stronger in our faith that itis a successful method 
than when we first began. Willows so mulched make an amount of 
leaf growth that is not found under any other condition that we 
have seen. We observe that the leaves fairly load the limbs down 
with their great growth. 
It has often been a pleasure for us to stand inside the second row 
of willows upon our place during the heaviest south winds, and not 
only be perfectly protected from its violence, but note with pleasure 
that the strength of the wind had been so destroyed by the outer 
row that the branches of the inner row cnly moved lazily under its 
influence. All trees and fruits within that area were, of course, un- 
touched by the destructive influence of the south wind. As to what 
I have written regarding the growing of strawberries, let it be un- 
derstood that it is under such influences as we have described that 
we have made such a success of that fruit. 
