14 PRACTICAL TREE-PLANTING IN OPERATION. 



boundary of the planting on the south side. On the north side of the 

 plantation the land is from 5 to 10 feet higher than the south side, but 

 of the same kind of soil. 



The Cotton woods made the most rapid growth. Twelve years after 

 planting they were 40 feet or more in height, with trunk diameters 

 breast high of 10 to 12 inches. Two or three years ago nearly all of these 

 trees were cut down. The Cottonwoods on the south side of the plan- 

 tation, however, were allowed to remain. The house stands among 

 them, and the yard and lots receive ample shade and protection from 

 their broad spreading tops. They are now 50 and CO feet tall, with 

 tops reaching a maximum diameter of 40 feet. 



The Eussiau Mulberry has made a most vigorous growth. The trees 

 were allowed to branch low, but have reached the height of 30 feet, 

 and have dense tops. Their diameters range from 12 to 14 inches. 

 The branches of these trees would now form ten or twelve good posts 

 to each tree. Soft Maples planted at the same time are now large 

 thrifty trees, 40 feet high and 8 to 10 inches in diameter. They have 

 not yet yielded to the tendency to die out in the top and become stag- 

 headed, so frequently noticed of this species in many places in the 

 West, especially over a clay subsoil. Plate II, fig. 1, represents the 

 present condition of the Soft Maple plantation on this farm, and is in 

 marked contrast to a similar plantation illustrated in Plate II, fig. 2, 

 where desirable forest conditions were not attained. 



The Black Walnut is growing near the Maple, so that the difference 

 in size is readily recognized. The diameters are about half as great in 

 the Walnuts as in the Maples. They are now from 4 to G inches in 

 diameter, and are from 25 to 35 feet high. With proper care in thin- 

 ning, the Walnut plantation will stand for many years as a monument 

 to the man who planted and reared it. 



One of the most thrifty and profitable orchards in the State of Kan- 

 sas has been grown in the shelter and protection of this grove. In his 

 report to the Kansas Horticultural Society Mr. Lewis, speaking of 

 his orchard, says, "I believe windbreaks are essential in this country." 



The planting on this farm has been of the most practical sort. For 

 the most part desirable trees have been used. They have been planted 

 advantageously both in relation to favorable soil and to the benefits 

 which may be derived from their growth. They were well cared for 

 until they were large enough to protect themselves. The results of 

 this plantation are: First, fuel for household use; second, posts and 

 poles for the building of fences, sheds, and cribs; third, protection to 

 feed lots and buildings from wind and sun ; fourth, a profitable com- 

 mercial orchard in a region where unprotected orchards are a failure; 

 fifth, an increased value of the entire quarter section of land of at 

 least $10 per acre. 



What has been done on this farm can not be done upon every farm 

 in the West, because the soil and moisture conditions are more favor- 



