1902. 



FORESTRY AND IRRIGATION. 



285 



are numerous. Near the bases of Cot- 

 tonwood trees great quantities of seed 

 germinate. Seed trees are abundant, 

 and the sandy condition of the soil 

 makes a most favorable seed bed for the 

 germination of the seed. In counting 

 the stand of seedlings, such remarkable 

 figures as these were obtained : on an 

 area of 20 square feet, sixty seedlings 

 were counted, these ranging in height 

 from 3>2 inches to 3^2 feet. This is 

 an unusually large number when we 

 come to consider that on an acre with 

 such a stand there would be 120,000 

 trees. Counts of seedlings in other 

 localities in the state show the follow- 

 ing results : 



T 1 , Stand 



r^o^at'ty- per acre. 



Dismal River, Thomas County 10,800 



Middle Loup River, Hooker County. . 2,638 



Middle Loup River, Thomas Countj'. . 280 



Middle Loup River, Cherry County. . . 525 



Platte River, Deuel County 10,026 



Cedar Canyon, vScotts Bluff Count}- . . 9,695 



Average 5, 660 



The above is only a small part of the 

 data obtained dtiring this investigation, 

 but it is stifficient to give a good general 

 idea of the conditions of reproduction 

 in the state. 



Considering the wide distribution, the 

 annual height and diameter growths, 

 and the excellent reproduction of the 

 Red Cedar in Nebraska, it is safe to 

 assume that as soon as it is demonstrated 

 that plantations of this valuable timber 

 tree can be successfully established, cor- 

 porations such as railroads, and even 

 private parties, will be induced to estab- 

 lish extensive plantations. The plant- 

 ing of Red Cedar on a large scale has 

 not yet been undertaken in Nebra.ska; 

 but wherever this tree has been planted 

 invariably excellent results have been 

 secured. Owing to the adaptability of 

 Red Cedar to varied .soils, its great 

 value for fence po.sts, telegraph, tele- 

 phone, and electric-light poles, and rail- 

 road ties, it is destined to be widely used 

 for future planting throughout the state. 



RED CEDAR GROWING ON A STEEP, ROCKY SLOPE IN THE VICINITY OF OGALLALA, NEBRASKA. 



