FOREST CULTURE IN IOWA. 559 



Black Cherry {Cerasus serotina). — The great value of this tree for posts, fuel, man- 

 nfacturiDg, &.c., has been too much overlooked. Plantations in this State, and in Illi- 

 nois, demonstrate it to be one of our most desirable trees for cultivation, attaining a 

 size in 12 years about equal to scarlet maple, with same care. When planted thickly, 

 say in rows 4 feet apart and 18 inches apart in row, the poles run up tall and straight. 

 The trees taken out in thinning can be utilized for poles to nail on posts for fence. Cut 

 in summer, when they will dry quickly, they will last many years. When used for 

 posts, if thoroughly cried, the writer has found them to last as long as the best burr- 

 oak. He has posts yet sound that have been set 15 years, and made from trees only 

 10 to 12 inches in diameter. The seed maybe gathered in most of our groves and thickets 

 Wash off the pulp, dry the surface of the pits in the sun, then pack in pure sand, in 

 small boxes or nail kegs. If kept in cellar, where they will not get too dry, they will 

 grow ; or they may be buried where they may be severely frozen. In the latter case, 

 they will be found to germinate very early in spring, and must be sown before much 

 btarred. Plant and manage same as ash. If planted where wanted, all the better, as 

 transplanting sadly retards growth. 



European Larch \_Larix Europoeal. — In Europe, this is regarded their most valu- 

 able forest tree for artihcal groves. It is especially grown for railroad ties, posts, vine 

 stakes, fencing, fuel, and .nbout all the economic uses of the farm, and even in the ship- 

 yard ; whole ships having been constructed of larch timber. It is in our country one of 

 the most rapid growers we have, under proper treatment. But we may suggest that a 

 careless manager had better select some other tree. The indications are that it will not 

 prove as desirable here as in Europe, perhaps mainly on account of too rapid growth 

 on rich soils. On their clay soils it produces a better grade of timber. 



Purchase plants that have been once transplanted. Be sure to secure the plants 

 very early in the spring. The leaves start very early, and the plants should be in the 

 ground before this occurs. If much started they can hardly be saved in the open air, un- 

 less the weather be very favorable. Remember that it will not bear exposure of root, 

 any more than the evergreens. In planting keep the roots in mud and water, under no 

 circumstances allowing them to get even partially dry. Plant the same as ash and 

 honey-locust. 



For the first year or two after transplanting, they will be found to make very mod- 

 erate growth. After that they climb up rapidly. The ash and locust will need 

 thorough culture but two years. The larch will not shade the ground as early, and 

 will need four years of careful culture. We will add, if plants of two years' growth be 

 purchased, that have not been transplanted from the seed-bed, do not think of setting 

 in the open field. Plant quite closely in bed, and give partial sha^le for one or two 

 years. It pays to grow larch, but the idea must be kept constantly in mind that 

 when young it is very delicate and tender under our dry air and hot sun, and must be 

 handled in all respects like young evergreens, with the additional care that it must be 

 transplanted very early in spring. 



Black and White Walnut [Juglans nigra, and J. cinerea']. — These are well known 

 and valuable trees, especially the black walnut. They do not transplant without 

 great check of growth, and the nuts, therefore, should always be planted where wanted 

 for belt or grove. 



Judge C. E. Whiting, of this committee, who has had more experience in growing 

 this timber than any man, probably, in the West, reports as follows : 



"If I were to plant a section of timber for an investment for my children, I would 

 have it all black walnut — a tree will grow to sawing size sooner than pine, and even 

 now in our markets it is quoted at three times the price of pine. It is very durable, if 

 jiut in the ground dry, for posts. Fifteen years ago I planted cedar and walnut posts 

 at the same time, and also posts of white oak. All are now decayed about equally. 

 Always plant the walnut where you want it. Will transplant well, but loses, in losing 

 its tap-root, years of growth. Seven bushels of walnuts, with the shucks on, will 

 plant an acre. During the winter I put in trenches, not too thick, and cover with 



Plant before sprouting if possible. Mark the ground out as for ash, and plant the 

 nuts early and deep so that they will not dry. 



Yellow Cottonwood [Pojmhis monilifera']. — The opinion is common in Central 

 and Eastern Iowa, that cottonwood is only valuable on the prairies for wind-breaks, as 

 the wood has little value for fuel or for any uses of the farm or workshop. The va- 

 riety, if it be merely a variety, abundant on the Missouri, and also found sparingly on 

 the Des Moines, Iowa, Cedar, &c., in Central and Eastern Iowa, known as yellow cot- 

 tonwood, really has an economic value, aside from its value fer shelter-belts, that 

 should be better understood by our prairie settlers. Bryant says of this variety : " Its 

 heart-wood is of a yellowish color, not unlike that of the tulip tree. It grows in the 

 same situation as others of its kind, and is split without difficulty into rails. Shingles 

 have been manufactured from it, which lasted a considerable time. When sawed into 

 lumber it does not warp like the cottonwood generally. If Populus angulata, and P. 

 monili/era are really distinct, it is a matter of uncertainty to which this variety 



