328 Notes of a Trip to California and Oregon. 



NOTES OF A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA AND OREGON. — I. 



By J. A. Donaldson, St. Joseph, Michigan. 



In journeying across tlie State of Illinois, from Chicago to Burling- 

 ton, and observing the well-cultivated farms, with buildings that indicate 

 taste and thrift, the many flourishing villages, with their neat dwell- 

 ings, substantial business blocks, and, in many instances, fine public 

 buildings, it is difficult to realize the fact that the greater part of these 

 improvements have been made in so few years, and that many of the 

 pioneers who came to this state when most of it was but a trackless, 

 grassy sea, are still in the vigor of manhood. There is one improvement, 

 however, that the inhabitants do not appear to properly appreciate, 

 and that is the planting of trees for shelter and timber. Considerable 

 attention has been given by farmers to planting trees around their 

 dwellings ; but generally they have been too sparing. An acre or more 

 adjoining the house, well planted, with varieties adapted to the soil and 

 climate, would give, in a few years, if well cared for, more satisfactory 

 returns than any part of the farm of the same area. There is no im- 

 provement outside of the house, so well calculated to dry up feminine 

 tears over the memory of old homes, as a plantation of thrifty trees and 

 shrubs around the dwelling. 



Continuing west, through southern Iowa, over the Missouri River 

 Railroad, we pass through a country that makes a favorable impression 

 on the traveller. The style of the improvements, both in town and 

 country, makes it evident that the ever-present Yankee is here to lead 

 in matters of taste and enterprise. The apple orchards appear very 

 thrifty, but are bearing moderately this season. 



Here, as in Illinois,. the people have not yet awakened to the impor- 

 tance of extensive foi"est tree planting. True, in a new country, much 

 must be done that is indispensable ; but in the older settled portions of 

 these states much has been done that had better been deferred, if necessa- 

 ry, until ten or more acres of trees had been well started. Better to wait 

 a year or two longer for the mansion to succeed the cabin, than to put 

 off' the planting of trees ten or fifteen years. The house begins to decay 

 the moment it is built. The trees will grow vigorously for generations, 

 adding grandeur to beauty as they grow older, and raising a monu- 

 ment to the memory of the planter that he can enjoy while living. 



