THE FOREST NURSERY STATION, SASKATCHEWAN. ^ I 



considerably to the moisture available for the young plants 

 during the season. 



The ground is frozen to such a depth in winter, and till late 

 in spring, that the young plants' roots are unable to absorb 

 moisture, consequently the parts exposed die from drought, 

 through being unable to replace the moisture given off in 

 transpiration. This effect is augmented by the strong bright 

 sun with its consequent radiation and isolation — made still 

 worse by the snow. It is most essential for the well-being of 

 the young plants that they be entirely covered by snow or 

 other covering. 



The conifers thrive best here when given some shelter for 

 the first few years after being planted out, as the trees are apt 

 to suffer in the same manner as the young seedlings till they 

 are established. Once established they get along all right. 



The European larch grows well here, but the Jack rabbits 

 will not leave it alone. 



The American larch (Tamarack) also does well. I would 

 say if Tamarack seed could be procured cheaply and easily, 

 it would prove a useful tree for planting on high exposed wet 

 boggy places in the Highlands at home. It grows in the 

 swamps here and seems to do fairly well. In fact a great 

 many of the Tamarack we plant out are procured from the 

 swamps. The seedlings are pulled up when about a foot 

 high. It is much too early yet to say much in regard to the 

 extent to which conifers will be utilised in prairie planting. 

 Evergreens are in the experimental stage with us yet, but from 

 the results seen in a few isolated instances throughout the 

 provinces it would seem that they have a great future before 

 them. 



