ARID AGRICULTUEE. 



425 



TEMPORARY 



PLANT 



WIND- 



the drifting of the soil. The small furrows left 

 by the drill or the ridges formed by the harrow 

 have the same effect and are valuable protection 

 to seedling grains from the cutting effect of blow- 

 ing sand and snow. In places the throwing up 

 of small dykes or high furrow slices makes a 

 wind-break which is worth while. Where the 

 land is fairly level or smooth a low obstruction 

 will cause the air that strikes it to be lifted so it 

 does not again strike the land with force for con- 

 siderable distances. Experiments have shown 

 that an obstruction two or three feet high may be 

 noticeable protection for a quarter mile beyond. 



Three or four rows of tall growing corn, like 

 the flour corn, which makes large growth, but 

 does not mature in the north, or rows of Sor- 

 ghum or Kafir corn, will make useful wind- 

 breaks for young plantings. The stalks may be 

 left standing thru the year. 



A few years ago, in parts of Dakota, the 

 Siberian wormwood was introduced. It is an 

 annual sagebrush, which makes tall growth 

 and the dead plants will stand some years. The 

 Russian Sunflower planted closely and in double 

 rows, would be effectual for one season. Many 

 other annual plants which could be used for this 

 purpose will suggest themselves to the farmer. 



PERMANENT 

 WIND- 

 BREAKS 



For permanent wind-breaks use quick-grow- 

 ing trees. Plant them thick in rows so the alter- 



