22 AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 
to guard them against injury from the freezing and thawing of the soil, 
which act so injuriously upon young aud feeble-rooted plants. 
The remainder of the seeds were sown in the experimental] grounds in 
March, and in due time vegetated in about the same proportions as the 
first sowing. During summer the ground was mulched between the 
plants; they progressed favorably, and stood the winter uninjured. 
The plant seems to be of rather slow growth, and, although it is 
described as inhabiting poor, arid soils, that cannot support any other 
vegetation, it appears from the growth here that a damp soil gives a 
much stronger and healthier plant. 
EUCALYPTUS. 
The rapidity of growth of the Hucalyptus, of New South Wales, and 
its supposed adaptability to flourish in very dry and austere climates, 
has led to frequent inquiries by those Who are interested in the lauda- 
ble purpose of raising forests on the treeless plains of the West. 
That most of the species of Hucalyptus, as well as many of the genus 
Acacia, grow with great rapidity, is a well-known fact; but neither of 
them will stand 10° of frost during winter. And as to their growing 
fast in a dry climate, it should be remembered that the season of active 
growth in their native country is characterized by heavy eoutinued 
rains, and a cousequent moist atmosphere. The period of extreme dry- 
ness to which they are subjected is their period of rest, corresponding 
to our winter. On the Pacific coast these trees have been cultivated 
for many years, and are now largely used as shade-trees in cities. 
A species of Eucalyptus, 2. globulus, the bine guin-tree, bas lately at- 
tracted some attention for its supposed medica] value, and statements 
have been made to the effect that it contains properties similar to 
those of the ciuchona. For the purpose of furthering the prosecution of 
experiments, if it is deemed desirable, a number of plants have been 
propagated for dissemination. 
In connection with the subject of selecting trees for their rapidity ot 
growth and suitableness for dry and exposed localities, it may be stated 
that there is no scarcity of plants that are known to possess all these 
requisites. For rapidity of growth the native poplars are not surpassed 
by any species of trees indigenous to temperate climates. The ailan- 
thus has been proved to succeed well ov dry aud comparatively barren 
soils, and the wood has a reputation for great permanence for fenece- 
posts and for similar domestic purposes. It may be hinted that the 
supposed difficulty of clothing the western plains with trees has been 
very much overstated ; when the same care is taken to produce a crop 
of trees as is taken to produce a crop of corn, it is attended with sue- 
cess, as has been abundantly proved by experiment in these outlying 
lands. . 
The feasibility of producing a growth.of timber on the most exposed 
and bleak situations, as well as in localities where a dearth of moisture 
prevents the cultivation of grain crops, has been repeatedly confirmed. 
Let the natural vegetation be of the most humble character, even if 
only the smallest herb or shrub can find a foothold, then a nucleus is 
already established for larger growths. ‘The first requirements are shel- 
ter, protection, and amelioration of climate; therefore the quality and 
value of timber are but secoudary; where foliage of any kind can be 
secured, the climatic surroundings are improved and fitted for the growth 
of valuable timber-trees, which, in turn, afford the necessary protection 
for fruit-trees and vines, as well as all other cultivated crops suited to 
the zone of growth. 
