20 



Where a tree has a wide range like Scotch pine, different forms of 

 the same tree are liable to develop under different climates, soils, and 

 situations. Scrubby forms of this species are known to exist in cer- 

 tain parts of Europe. Since the seeds have to be imported, care 

 should be taken that they are from the most desirable forms. 



EUROPEAN LARCH. 



European larch is a tall, straight, and slender tree with a cylin- 

 drical stem and a conical, pointed crown of scattered branches and 

 short deciduous foliage. It is a native of the mountains of central 

 Europe, but its range has been greatly extended under cultivation. It 

 produces a strong taproot, and prefers a deep soil, though a moist soil 

 is not necessary. It is one of the most light-demanding trees. When 

 closely planted it soon prunes itself of branches and produces clear 

 timber. Its wood is durable, and of admirable shape for poles, p6sts, 

 stakes, and railroad ties. In height growth it is rapid and persistent. 

 The height growth on the upland averages 1.80 feet per year for a 

 period of twenty years. It produces an annual net return per acre of 

 $11.93 where planted on the upland. 



Although this tree can be grown with profit in pure plantations, 

 like other light-needing trees, the best results can be obtained from 

 mixed planting. Spruce or Scotch pine are well suited for this pur- 

 pose. In mixture the trees can assist and protect each other and 

 shade the ground completely and continually. 



WESTERN YELLOW PINE. 



Western yellow pine is the most abundant and most widely dis- 

 tributed tree occurring throughout the Rocky Mountains. It extends 

 eastward into western Texas, north-central Nebraska, and western 

 South Dakota. 



Outside of its demands for light it is one of the most inexacting 

 trees, being able to grow in all kinds of climate, soils, and situations. 

 Its drought-resisting qualities are well known. 



In the Black Hills it reaches a height of 100 feet and a diameter of 

 3 feet. It occurs in pure stand over large areas and often constitutes 

 the only commercial tree. 



The wood is heavy ; hard, and highly resinous, but will soon rot 

 when in contact with the soil. This is especially true of the younger 

 sap wood j and is the greatest objection that can be made to the tree for 

 general planting upon the prairie. This drawback can be largely re- 

 moved, however, by using a preservative treatment of creosote. In 

 growing plants the seedlings early produce a long taproot. They 

 should be transplanted from the seedbed to the nursery at the end of 

 the first year, and to the permanent site when 3 years old from seed. 



[Cir. 145] 



