70 TRANSACTION'S OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Western Saskatchewan one can drive for days on end, and see 

 no trees, except those provided by the Forest Department grow- 

 ing around some prairie home. 



One of the principal efforts made by the Government in 

 this matter is their system of inspection. Before they start on 

 their tour, the Inspectors are furnished with a list of the appli- 

 cants in the districts assigned to them. Their duty is to visit 

 each applicant. If a farmer has already received trees, the 

 Inspector is to see that they have been cultivated, kept clear of 

 weeds, and otherwise properly tended ; and he is also to note 

 the percentage of trees living. If satisfied with what has been 

 done, he will arrange to supply more trees, should they be 

 required, and he will give advice and answer any questions 

 concerning the welfare of the plantation. Happily, insect pests, 

 and fungoid diseases are of rare occurrence. If the applicant is 

 a new one, the Inspector has to note his method of preparation 

 of the soil, whether by " backsetting," summer fallow, or root 

 crop. The two latter methods are the best preparation. If 

 properly done, backsetting entails a vast amount of labour to 

 render it a suitable method of preparation ; but, notwithstanding 

 this, in their anxiety to obtain shelter quickly, many farmers 

 attempt to prepare their ground in this manner. No trees are 

 supplied by Government for " fall " or spring-ploughed stubble 

 land. The plot is measured, and an estimate is made of the 

 number of trees required to stock it. A rough sketch is then 

 drawn, the distance from the building, the character of soil, and 

 the species best suited for the ground are noted. The farmer is 

 instructed how to lay out his ground to advantage, keeping an 

 eye to future developments ; and told the best, cheapest, and 

 easiest way to plant, cultivate and manage, and care for the 

 plantation generally. It has been found that trees will not grow 

 if planted on land formerly used as a corral for cattle, they 

 merely exist, making no growth, or die right off. Planters are 

 advised to root-crop land in this condition repeatedly before 

 planting ; trees can then be raised successfully. Alkali spots 

 also occur, chiefly in low-lying localities ; the soil is impregnated 

 with an alkali salt, namely, magnesium sulphate or magnesium 

 carbonate ; most species absolutely refuse to grow on such soil, 

 though ash and willow make a feeble attempt to get on. 

 Draining and manuring seem to be the only remedies. If the 

 conditions are satisfactory, the applicant is requested to sign 



