IO4 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. 



IRRIGATION. 



In this dry climate, without the ground is in exceptionally good con- 

 dition, always follow tree planting by an immediate irrigation. Cultivate 

 several times during the season. Keep down the weeds and water often 

 enough to keep the young trees in active growth. If seedlings are given 

 the right kind of care for the first two seasons they will be well on the 

 way to a fine, permanent growth. If neglected at this period they may 

 either perish or receive a check from which they will never fully recover, 



It is usual in Colorado to plant in rows four feet apart, with the trees 

 from one and one-half to two feet in the row set with a view to thinning 

 out. In this case cultivation can only be done one way. If it is practic- 

 able to do so, give a good irrigation once a week during the first season. 



Never set young trees on ridges on the plains. They should be 

 planted in a furrow like, so that they may better retain the moisture from 

 the clouds. This is particularly necessary where water is scarce for irri- 

 gation. To those in the "rain belt" district who are attempting to grow 

 trees, the importance of deep plowing and setting in trenches or furrows 

 where the soil has been mellowed to a considerable depth, and of early 

 spring planting, can scarcely be overestimated. After the trees have been 

 set, throw around them a heavy mulch or protection of fine straw, chaff, 

 wild hay, or any coarse litter, and it will serve to protect the young trees 

 and retain the moisture that falls on them. In transplanting, we say it 

 again, for the hundreth time, never allow the roots of trees to lay exposed 

 to the hot sun or drying winds. 



PLANTING SEEDLINGS. 



An expeditious way of setting forest tree seedlings is to run furrows 

 one way with the plow, after the manner described in orchard planting 

 (the ground having been previously deeply broken and well prepared), 

 then let the young trees be placed in an upright position in the furrow 

 the entire length, after which the soil can be thrown back with the plow. 

 It will be necessary to go .over the ground and straighten up the seedlings 

 (uncovering any that have been completely covered), and to press the 

 earth firmly against the roots with the foot while passing along. If care 

 is used, the young trees may be fairly well planted in this way, and from 

 three to four may work to advantage in carrying, dropping, and complet- 

 ing the work as the plow is run. But good planting is more likely to be 



