SEP -7 1914 



Division of Forestry 

 University of California 



FOREST PLANTING ON THE NORTHERN PRAIRIES. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In no other part of the United States, perhaps, is the need for 

 forest planting greater than on the northern prairies. Protection 

 from wind and storm, and a sufficient supply of posts, poles, repair 

 material, and fuel, are essential for the wellbeing of those who make 

 the prairies their home. Many of the early settlers doubted the pos- 

 sibility of growing trees within the region; others, however, were 

 more confident of success, and through their efforts a variety of trees 

 were planted, under varying conditions. Some of the plantations 

 failed, either through an unfortunate selection of species or through 

 ignorance of the proper way to plant The larger number, however, 

 were successful. 



To determine what species are best adapted for planting on the 

 northern prairies, a study of existing plantations within the region 

 was made by the Forest Service. Only the better groves were selected, 

 since the object of the study was, primarily, to determine the possi- 

 bilities of a species rather than its average development. The results 

 of the study are given in this circular. 



THE NORTHERN PRAIRIES. 

 LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY. 



The region called in this report the northern prairies comprises 

 the eastern half of the two Dakotas and the western part of Minne- 

 sota. It is generally level, and especially so in the valleys of the 

 middle James and Bed rivers. When the topography is broken it is 

 usually by rolling slopes or ridges known as coteaus. 



SOIL. 



Uniformity of soil over large areas characterizes the region. The 

 most common type is a rich, black loam, which varies in depth from 

 a few inches to several feet. This is underlaid with a yellowish clay, 

 throughout which are scattered calcareous pebbles. Beneath this 

 there may be a layer of blue clay, and then sand and gravel. Usually 



[Cir. 145] 



(5) 



