FOREST EXTENSION IN THE MIDDLE WEST. 155 



it thorough and exhaustive study. Even farmers have no clear con- 

 ception of the adaptations of trees to soils or to particular sections of 

 the country, and very few seem fully to understand the best methods 

 of developing a forest plantation. For the individual, these are diffi- 

 cult subjects, requiring both study and travel, but what is difficult for 

 the individual in this case is easy for the Government, which, through 

 the Division of Forestry, can readily investigate the entire subject 

 and determine such matters as sections of adaptation, kinds of trees 

 to be used, and soils and methods best adapted to each species. It is 

 appropriate that this information be supplied free of charge to the 

 person entering upon forest operations, and to this end the Division 

 of Forestry instituted the plan of practical assistance to tree planters. 

 Its purpose from the first has been "to give such aid to planters that 

 wood lots, shelter belts, wind-breaks, and all other economic planta- 

 tions of forest trees may be so well established and cared for as to 

 attain their greatest usefulness and most permanent value to their 

 owners." 



Under the provisions of this plan, the farms of applicants are vis- 

 ited and examined by an expert of the Division, who makes a careful 

 investigation of all conditions affecting tree growth. A planting plan 

 is then prepared for the owner upon the basis of local conditions 

 and requirements. The plan embodies complete and detailed instruc- 

 tions concerning the location, establishment, and management of the 

 plantation. In no case does the Division furnish seeds or trees, or 

 participate in any degree in the expenses of planting and caring for 

 the plantation, but the visit of inspection is always free, and the plant- 

 ing plan is usually without cost to the planter. 



GENERAL RESULTS OF THE COOPERATIVE PLAN. 



A careful study of the conditions of the country in connection with 

 this work is convincing that the time is at hand for great extension of 

 timber growing by reason of the returns to be received from it. The 

 sphere for planting is extensive and profits, under good methods, are 

 certain. At the same time the Division of Forestry is able to give 

 more efficient service than in the past, on account of more extensive 

 study of the conditions, needs, and possibilities of the country. It 

 stands ready to advise on choice of soils and kinds of trees, on local 

 obstacles or advantages likely to affect success; to give opinions and 

 advice on lines of forestry that have greatest prospect of profit, as 

 well as to point out regions where such lines can be most propitiously 

 carried out, and to prepare planting plans embodying methods to be 

 followed in the establishment and management of such plantations. 



That planters will continue to seek Government cooperation is 

 assured by the great favor which the work is meeting. The visit of 

 the expert forester to an applicant usually has a salutary influence 



