FOREST PLANTING. 103 



a mistaken view. Nearly all the most important deciduous trees may 

 be grown from seed as readily as Indian corn. Of many species the 

 seed may be sown broadcast and harrowed in, if the planter prefers 

 to use the seed lavishly rather than give more care. The seeds of 

 many trees may be planted either in the fall or spring, as may be 

 most convenient. Some of the softer wooded trees grow from cuttings 

 as readily as the grape ; and with most deciduous trees, the seeds or 

 cuttings may, if desired, be at once planted where the trees are to 

 stand. Nor need the most unlettered farmer deny himself the pleasure 

 and profit of the conifers and evergreens. The plants, furnished at 

 prices which are insignificant in comparison with their value, are 

 abundant at reliable nurseries, and with the simple precaution of 

 keeping the roots moist, and proper care in planting, are as sure to 

 grow as any other tree or shrub. 



No part of the earth is blessed with a greater variety of useful trees, 

 both of the hard and soft wooded kinds, than the United States ; and 

 these native trees can all be readily grown in artificial plantations. 

 It is not alone the pines and spruces and cedars that make up our 

 valuable timber. The harder wooded trees the ash, the oak, the 

 hickories, the maples, the walnuts and the chestnuts of which we 

 have heretofore been so lavish, have a value in the arts that no figures 

 can estimate. They may be said to be essential to the continuance of 

 our present civilization. New forests of these trees must be grown, 

 or our grandchildren must depart from our modes of life. West of 

 longitude 100 degrees from Greenwich, the material of a common 

 wagon does not grow on the continent, and we are fast exhausting it 

 east of that meridian. Ohio and Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, 

 have girdled and burnt hard wood trees that to-day would be worth 

 hundreds of millions of dollars. If failing springs and protracted 

 drouths and extremes of temperature suggest replanting, their people 

 may safely rely on a future market, more certain than for any other 

 product of the soil. 



To carry out the views embodied in this report, your committee 

 submit the following resolutions for adoption by this National Agri- 

 cultural Congress. JOHN A. WARDEN, ) 



R. S. ELLIOTT, v Committee. 



