Otf PRAIRIES. 45 



the most uncomfortable to the occupants of farm build- 

 ings, and are most likely to cause dust-storms, which 

 should be especially guarded against. 



Windbreak is a general name given to anything that 

 gives protection from wind. On the prairies it is often 

 applied to a single row of trees planted for protection. 



Shelter-belt is a term more often used to signify several 

 or a large number of rows of trees, but the term is often 

 used interchangeably with windbreak. 



Grove is a term that refers to comparatively large bodies 

 of trees which may be planted for shelter, fuel, or other 

 purposes. 



Protection to Buildings may be furnished by a few rows 

 or a grove of trees. It is generally best to locate the build- 

 ings in a grove, or grow one up around them, so that pro- 

 tection may be afforded from every quarter to the best ad- 

 vantage. The garden should also be included in the grove 

 or shelter-belt about the buildings. 



Distance of the Trees from the Buildings and Roadways. 

 Of whatever the protection consists, it should not be close 

 to the buildings or to any paths which are used in winter, 

 for the snow-drifts, w r hich always form to the leeward of 

 such protection, may become a great nuisance under such 

 circumstances during winters of great snowfall. The wind- 

 break had better be placed about one hundred feet back 

 from the buildings, and if shade is wanted it can be ob- 

 tained from scattered trees near the buildings, which will 

 not drift the snow. The same rule applies to the planting 

 of trees on the north side of a roadway. The drifts of 

 snow which would be formed to the leeward of a windbreak 

 so planted would take longer to thaw in the spring, and 

 would keep the road muddy and in poor condition after 

 those that were not protected had become dry and firm. A 

 row of trees is very appropriate by the side of a street or 

 roadway and affords a pleasant shade, and if not planted 



