572 



FOREST CULTURE IN KANSAS. 



Average of the above hy seasons and years. 



Variations from mean of whole State. 



Ea.sitern belt. 

 Middle belt .. 

 "Western belt 



+2.26 

 -1.31 

 -0.96 



+4.73 

 -1.66 

 -3.06 



+ 1.88 

 -0.69 



+1.78 

 +0. r,5 

 -2.02 



+10.35 



- 3.11 



- 7.28 



The average rain-foU in 1875 was 28.4G inches in the eastern, 22.39 in the 

 middle, and 21.19 in the western belt, and for the State, 2G.72. The iniiii- 

 ence of elevation is not taken into account. How far these conditions 

 may hereafter be influenced by cultivation, remains to be ascertained by 

 future observations. It is admitted, as a fact beyond denial, that the 

 short, crisp " buffalo-grass," that covered the i^lains at first settlement, is 

 giving place to a species of ranker growth — the blue-grass — more valu- 

 able for pasturage. As the prairies are brought under cultivation in 

 taller grass, the hygrometrical conditions of the soil and climate appear 

 to improve, although, from the absence of observations upon the wet and 

 dry bulb thermometer, we have no data for stating the actual and rel- 

 ative humidity. 



The process of slow self-planting in Central Kansas is thus described 

 by Dr. L. Sternberg, in a paper read before the Kansas State Horticul- 

 tural Society : 



Oa many of the small streams there is a more dense growth of timber than when tho 

 country was first opened to settlement. The necks of creeks (having a naiTow lining 

 of timber), formed by their numerous windings, are being gradually covered with 

 trees ; and the shade and mulching aftbrded by these trees produces congenial condi- 

 tions, under which numerous others are constantly springing up, and thus the timber 

 area is enlarging. Sometimes additions are made to this area by a slow but sure pro- 

 cess, viz : To furnish the necessary shade and mulching for the growth of tree-seeds, 

 let the surface bo covered with tall grass. From this condition will spring up some 

 such shrubs as elders, or wild iilums, but most commonly sumac. Then comes forth 

 varieties of larger growth, from seeds, as tho elm, ash, or bos-elders, and other varie- 

 ties may follow, and in a few years the latter kinds will overtop, and by their shade 

 destroy, those that first gave them shelter, and hence the increase of forest area.^ 



Experiments tried in tree-planting in Central Kansas in 1859, with 

 trees from Illinois nurseries, were not successful. In 1800, the season 

 being dry, the result was no better, and in 18C1, another dry year, the 

 same experience followed. In 18G2 plantations of native woods began 

 to live, and with careful management it is now considered reasonably 

 certain that trees can be started and made to thrive, and it is quite prob- 

 able that this success is largely due to improved experience in plant- 

 ing, rather than to any change in conditions. 



As in other prairie States, one of the first needs of timber is for fences, 

 and until recently the fence-law in this State was most absurd, and 

 quite in favor of the owners of stock. The State now has a herd law 

 that appears well calculated to the wants of the State, and its applica- 

 tion is left to the several counties. The following statistics have inter- 

 est in this connection : 



1 Transactions of Kansas State Horticultural Society, ld75, p. 122. 



