5B4 FOREST CULTURE IN IOWA. 



earnestly advocaterl the extended planting of this tree for fences, for fuel, and for the 

 arresting of wind-sweeps on their bleak, broad prairies. In the portion of the county 

 where its planting has been general, one can now hardly realize he is upon the open 

 praiiie in driving along the streets, lined on both sides for miles in extent, with com- 

 bined fence and wind-screen. Where best known, the wonder is expressed by prairie- 

 settlers how they got along before its advent in their neighborhood. Thomas War- 

 dall, of Mitchell County, who has had a long prairie experience, writes of the white 

 ■willow as follows, in a report on hedges for the North : 



6even1h. We tried the white willow. This has come to tis at the north as a "God- 

 send." Not because it makes the best hedges, for no one is so foolish as to assume 

 that, but l)ccau8e a stock-proof fence can be made of it, iu brief time, and at small 

 expense, which at once is a fence and a wind-break. A combination of this kind the 

 denizens of our northern prairies can appreciate. The variety mostly in use in our 

 section and in Minnesota will not bear plashing or even weaving, and will not lose 

 the tree habit of growth by being headed back. So we have by mutual consent 

 abandoned all attempts at hedge-making proper, and we aim to secure a close bottom 

 at once, then give protection from stock for two years, and we have a profitable in- 

 vestment in what will become a solid wall of live timber iu a very few years; at once 

 a fence, a valuable screen from the sweepirg winds of summer and winter, and which 

 will give a constant supply of passable fire-wood from the tops. And now for the plan 

 for forming such a siock-barrier, to which I will ask special attention. Let every 

 northern farmer plant out a willow grove, with good large cuttings iu early spring. 

 Plant four feet apart, both ways, and cultivate well for two or three years, and a large 

 growth will be secured. When five years old, trim out all but one plant to each hill. 

 Cut ofi" stakes five and one-half feet long from these trimmiugs. Sharpen these stakes 

 and drive them eighteen inches deep in a well-prepared fence-row. When the soil is 

 soft iu the spring the driving can be done without bruising the bark. Let the stakes 

 be driven closely, not more than six inches apart. Nail a stay-lath near the top. A 

 three-inch barn-batten answers the purpose well. Mulch heavily or cultivate well 

 and often. In two years a fence may be made that may be depended on to turn stock, 

 but which will have the one fault of not being beautiful. 



Premiums of the Iowa Horticultural Society for 1877. 

 The following premiums are offered to encourage the planting of trees in permanent 



timber plantations or belts; the number of trees living to be ascertained by actual 

 count between the loth of September and the 10th of October, 1877. The award of the 

 premiums to depend ux^on a full compliance with the rules appended to the schedule of 

 premiums. 



For the greatest number of species planted in groves ; intrinsic value of spe- 

 cies considered $40 00 



Second greatest number 25 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



For the greatest number of evergreens and larch in plantations or belts 20 00 



Second greatest number 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



For the greatest number of ash trees -» 20 00 



Second greatest number 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



The greatest number of nut-bearing trees, including oaks 20 00 



Second greatest number... 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



For the greatest number of black wild cherry, elm, box-elder, and birch 20 00 



Second greatest number 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



For the greatest number of cottonwood, basswood, willow, maple, and other 



soft-wooded trees 20 00 



Second greatest number 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



For the greatest number of honey-locust — (from seed grown on thoruless trees 



is preferable) 20 00 



Second greatest number , 15 00 



Third greatest number 10 00 



$345 00 



EEGTJLATIOXS. 



1st. Persons competing for premiums must designate the class for which they com- 

 pete, as, for greatest number of soft-wooded trees, greatest number evergreens, larch, 

 &c. A plantation may consist of a single variety enumerated, or any number of the 

 kinds mentioned. 



2d. Additional plantations must be made for each separate entry for premiums. In 



