MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Cir. 78 



There are those who claim that the planting of trees in large numbers 

 upon the plains would greatly modify the climate of these regions, 

 that the rainfall would be increased, and that drying winds would 

 be less frequent. And trees are sometimes planted, even on the 

 dry farm, with a view to financial returns. The wood lot or the 

 shelter belt does, in some cases, furnish fuel for the home and posts 

 for the fences. 



Many farm homes have been improved by growing trees under 

 conditions as trying as those found on the dry farms of Montana. 

 It is surely worth a trial. When the matter is summed up, we find 

 that the degree of success is measured largely by the proper selection 

 of plants, proper selection and preparation of soil, and proper planting 

 and care of the trees and shrubs. 



SELECTING THE SITE 



In many cases the location of the farm home is definitely fixed, 

 the plan is already started and the problem is to complete it, but 

 there is much to be gained in the proper selection of the site. Most 

 of us have more or less positive ideas as to how the farm should 

 be arranged for convenience. Some no doubt give it little thought. 

 Most people prefer to have the house near the highway, and, keeping 

 this one thought in mind, it should otherwise be about centrally 

 located. While it is in some ways convenient to have the house at 

 the cross-roads corner, it may cause a waste of time in going to and 

 from work 'and in most cases it results in greater difficulty in plan- 

 ning and planting. While not always possible, it is under most con- 

 ditions more desirable to have a south or east front. If one must 

 have a windbreak to the north and west it is hard to front the house 

 in these directions. 



Do not make the mistake of plotting into fields all the tillable 

 land on the farm and leaving the rest for the home grounds. It is 

 impossible to grow trees, shrubs, and especially lawns upon poor 

 soil. An attractive home lot will do more to increase the valuation 

 of the farm than the best ten-acre field on it. 



Occasionally there is a limited amount of irrigation water to 

 be had. If possible, locate the home where this may be used on 

 the garden, orchard, and lawn. It will yield greater returns here 

 than on any other part of the farm. 



