34 REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. 



DROUTH. 



In parts of the state many shade trees have suffered through 

 lack of rain. See p. 43. Taken altogether the losses by the un- 

 usual drouths of the past five summers have been serious. Tree 

 owners are reminded that when Nature fails they must lend a 

 hand. Cultivation of the surface soil in a dry time often does 

 as much good as water. 



NORWAY MAPLES. 



There is danger that the planting of Norway maples in towns 

 and villages, and to some extent in cities, will be carried to 

 excess. The tree is unquestionably a good one; it is especially 

 adapted to narrow streets and unfavorable locations, but too 

 often is planted where a larger, more dignified and more valu- 

 able tree is indicated. Red oak, scarlet oak, tulip poplar, white 

 elm, sycamore, linden and sugar maple are all worthy of place 

 on the wider, better cared-for streets. Let norways serve where 

 the others cannot be. 



TOO CLOSE PLANTING. 



And it is advised that street trees be not planted too close 

 together. A spacing of 25 feet seems ample when the trees are 

 set out, yet it is too little even for norway maples when well 

 grown. In some towns large-growing species like sycamore 

 have been set on twenty feet intervals. In all planting it is 

 highly important to consider the mature size and form of a tree. 

 It rarely is advisable to set trees less than forty feet apart. 



ROADSIDE TREES. 



'The proposal to apply the shade tree laws to country roads 

 has not yet been brought to a practical demonstration. The 

 State Road Commissioner has found no opportunity to carry 

 into effect the plans published a year ago by which new road 

 Construction might be required to include tree planting. It is 

 agreed that such improvements should not be forced upon any 

 community, but should come rather in response to a demand 



