50 HAND-BOOK OF TREE-PLANTING. 



in some part of our own country, in distinc- 

 tion from those whose native home is in other 

 lands, but we mean those which are found 

 growing spontaneously in the particular region 

 where the proposed planting is to be done. It 

 is always safe to follow the indications of Na- 

 ture. If one is at a loss how to commence the 

 work of tree-planting, let him look around him 

 or in the region nearest him where trees are 

 growing and have come to maturity without the 

 aid of man. He may be sure that it will be 

 safe for him to plant such trees. These are 

 what Nature certifies to him are adapted to the 

 conditions of soil and climate which exist where 

 his lot is cast. He may be where trees are 

 few at the best. He may be on the prairie, 

 and where, perhaps, the annually recurring fires 

 have kept down almost all arboreal growth. 

 But here and there, along some stream, he 

 will find a few trees, at least, lifting themselves 

 up, to show that trees are possible. Let him 

 be encouraged by this sure indication. Let 

 him gather the seeds of these trees, or take 

 sprouts from them, and plant with confidence. 

 They may not be trees of the most valuable 



