and willow are still the chief species represented, practically 

 every variety of hardwood and conifer native to Minnesota, 

 together with a number of introduced species, may be found 

 in the planted groves of the state. 



In 1878 the national government passed a law designed to 

 hasten settlement on the prairies, and at the same time to 

 impel the settlers jto plant more trees. The act, called the 

 "Timber Culture Act," provided that any head of a family or 

 person twenty-one years of age, who had declared intention to 

 become a citizen, could obtain 160 acres of prairie land or 

 fraction thereof by fulfilling certain requirements. 



Many Tree Claims Were Taken Up. 



Between the passage of this law in 1878 and its repeal in 

 1891, a number of so-called "tree claims" were taken in Min- 

 nesota. The trees planted were usually one of the four va- 

 rieties named above, being set out in pure stands or mixture. 

 They were easy to plant, and grew rapidly. 



In 1877, the state Legislature passed a law designed to fur- 

 ther instigate the planting of trees on prairie soil. It carried 

 an annual appropriation of $20,000 to be devoted to payment 

 of bounties to those who fulfilled certain requirements. The 

 law which has since been amended, is still in effect. Its pro- 

 visions are now approximately as follows: 



"That anyone who shall plant on prairie soil at least one 

 and not more than ten acres of forest trees other than locusts, 

 and maintain the same in growing condition with the trees at 

 no point more than 12 feet apart, shall receive a payment of 

 $2.50 per acre for six years for the original plantation or ad- 

 dition thereto. Provided, that no plantation or part which has 

 received the full bounty for six years shall again be entered 

 for that benefit." 



The underlying idea of the law is good. Strange as it may 

 seem, there are men who believe a good grove will not repay 

 them for the land it grows on. It is in an instance like this 

 that^the law and its bounty serves its real purpose. But, the 

 majority of men realize at least the "comfort" advantage of 

 a grove. Hence, they are willing to devote a small plot of 



9 



