FOREST PLANTING. 131 



with a view to ascertain definitely "what use can be made of this vast 

 area of treeless lands. Some persons, it is true, have planted a few 

 trees on the plains, but nothing scientific or systematic, designed to 

 establish facts and principles in this direction, has ever yet been un- 

 dertaken. 



" It is a well known fact that fotest trees exercise a grand influence 

 (when they are present) over the climatology of the country, and con- 

 trol to a great extent climatic extremes. They are beneficial to the 

 agricultural interests around them. Rains are induced by them, 

 springs are created in 'the thirsty land by their planting, and the cold 

 blasts of winter are moderated by them. 



" ' Is there an interest so great that is so much neglected one so 

 much needing attention as this ?' Government is liberal in its dona- 

 tions in the interest of commerce, and as the full development of the 

 agricultural interests of the land is the true basis of National wealth, 

 our law makers should be equally liberal in fostering and protecting 

 so vast an interest. ' Is there any better way to encourage a measnre 

 of National importance than by aiding an enterprise that will develop 

 so great an interest, as the one proposed in this bill ?' 



Yours most respectfully, 

 E. S. NICCOLLS, 



Secretary Western Forest Tree and Hedge Growing As., of Kansas" 



Next to the National Government, the parties most 

 interested in the work are the various railroad companies 

 whose lines intersect the region, and whose extended 

 territorial possessions would be vastly increased in value 

 by the establishment of an extended and wisely managed 

 system of forest planting. The advantages they would 

 thus secure, have already suggested themselves to the 

 directors, and the subject has been more or less agitated 

 for two or three years past, but I have not yet heard of 

 any decisive action on the part of either of the great 



