Canadian Forestry Journal. 207 



in the west and it is unfortunate that the supply of seed should 

 be so uncertain. In 1905, as no seed could be obtained in the 

 west, a quantity was procured in the Eastern States. The stand 

 produced during the first season was very good, but every seedling 

 was killed during the winter, proving conclusively that the seed 

 must be collected in this country. Some years ago we had a 

 similar experience with the Manitoba maple. Owing to a scarc- 

 ity of seed here, a quantity was purchased in Minnesota. The 

 seedlings however did not mature and although not actually 

 killed outright, were in such poor condition that we would not 

 distribute them. 



The fact that wood for fuel can be grown most profitably in 

 this country is demonstrated more clearly every season. In 

 some districts wood can be obtained from natural timber belts 

 with little difficulty, but away from these restricted areas, the 

 settlers are limited to the supply brought in on the railways, 

 poplar wood of only average quality being worth $6.50 per cord. 

 There is not the least doubt in the mind of the writer as to the 

 possibility of growing fairly good fuel within 6 to 8 years, when 

 Cottonwood or willow are used, and when the trees are properly 

 set out and cared for. In the spring of 1903 we were using some 

 land on the Experimental Farm at Indian Head for our nursery 

 work and in order to obtain a quick shelter a few rows of cotton- 

 woods were planted. The total length of the rows would be 

 about 700 yards, the trees being set 30 inches apart and were 

 about 1^ feet high. We are now giving up this land and con- 

 sequently had to cut out these hedges, which in 4 years have 

 made great growth. The trees average 15 feet high and many 

 are over 6 inches in diameter at the ground. We have now cut 

 up and piled over 3^ cords of wood cut from these hedges. This 

 wood is not of course best quality, though it is just as good as 

 hundreds of settlers get after travelling to the bluffs in the winter 

 and probably taking three days for the round trip. At the pre- 

 sent time growing trees for profit on the prairies has not received 

 any general consideration, but before many years it is hoped 

 that every farmer may devote a few acres to this purpose. 



At the nursery station it is intended to establish several 

 large plantations, which will be sample plots to test the value of 

 the different hardy varieties planted in mixture and pure st nd 

 and at different distances apart. As a considerable area of land 

 will be necessary for this purpose, an additional \ section adjoin- 

 ing the one already under cultivation has been reserved for the 

 work. At present the land is unbroken. Fifty to sixty acres 

 will be ploughed and backset next season ; part of this may 

 be planted the following spring, but most will be put into oats, 

 after which the land will be summer fallowed and got into a 

 better condition for planting. 



