50 



SUMMARY. 



Some of the leading conclusions of this bulletin are briefly recapit- 

 ulated. They are points which should be borne in mind by the tree 

 planter in western Kansas. 



The effect of forest planting on climate is problematical as to 

 increased precipitation, but definitely determined as to its favorable 

 results in the conservation of moisture and the checking of wind. 



The results to be obtained are sufficient to justify the expenditure 

 of time and labor, and it is useless to expect success without such 

 efforts. An intelligent selection of species, followed by good care, 

 is essential. Not every man can set trees and make them prosper. 

 Consequently it often happens that one thriving plantation tells more 

 of the inherent possibilities of a given region than do a dozen failures. 



The planting should be carefully done in all cases, but conifers 

 require unusual care. For ordinary plantations the best practice is 

 to use small trees and home-grown seedlings so far as possible. 



Cultivation is essential to success, and should be such as to conserve 

 the largest possible amount of soil moisture. 



Whether to prune or not depends entirely upon the kind of tree 

 and the purpose of the plantation. The best time to prune is in early 

 spring, just before growth begins. The cuts should be clean and close 

 to the trunk. 



To a hitherto unappreciated extent cultivation can be made to 

 replace irrigation or natural supplies of moisture; but, nevertheless, 

 upland and lowland planting should be treated as distinct problems, 

 as regards both the choice of species and the period for which cultiva- 

 tion should be given. It is likewise true that every species presents 

 problems of its own, which must be worked out if the highest effi- 

 ciency is to be obtained. 



All planting, whether shelterbelt, ornamental, or commercial, should 

 be for a definite purpose and the most suitable trees chosen accord- 

 ingly. The time for the temporary planting of rapid growing, short- 

 lived species is passing, except in special cases. That of the future 

 should be of a permanent character and such as will give lasting 

 benefit, even though not so quickly. 



[Cir. 161.] 



