16 



a second-class post 3 cents. Figuring all the plantations except No. 1 

 on this basis, and assuming the waste material to be worth $2 per 

 cord for firewood, the net value of the plantations by each method 

 can be compared. The comparison shows only a small difference in 

 favor of cutting the ash for posts. Both methods indicate, in fact, 

 that under present conditions ash plantations have but a small money 

 value. 



The condition of the plantations in general was good. Ash ordina- 

 rily does well on upland prairie soil, though it grows more rapidly in 

 moister situations. Its principal use is as a shelter-belt tree. Here 

 it can be rather closely planted, and the necessary thinnings from time 

 to time will furnish good poles for use about the farm. 





 TABLE 8. White, green, and black ash. 



WHITE ASH. 



GREEN ASH. 



BLACK ASH. 



The only green ash plantation examined was that at the Univer- 

 sity of Illinois. The trees have grown thriftily and the plantation 

 is in good condition. Green ash is a hardy tree. It will succeed in 

 many places where white ash would fail. Since, however, various 



[Cir. 81] 



