104 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



lias been occupied tree planting on a rather large scale has been 

 carried on, and there are now growing on this farm, in shelter 

 belts, blocks, avenues, wind-breaks, and hedges, more than 

 one hundred thousand trees. Difficulties were encountered 

 at first from the very strong winds, which gave the trees a 

 stunted appearance, but these obstacles were gradually overcome 

 and the trees have now made such a free growth that they protect 

 one another, producing a vast improvement in the appearance of 

 the place, and affording much shelter. 



Although the climate is more severe here, the experiences had 

 with fruit trees and with forest and ornamental trees, as well as 

 with flowers, are nearly the same as those which have been gained 

 at Brandon. 



A further railway ride of five hundred and fifty miles from 

 Indian Head brings us to the end of the one thousand miles of 

 plains which stretch from the easterly part of Manitoba to the 

 Eocky mountains, and now we find ourselves ascending among 

 the foot-hills, the landscape broken into bluffs and valleys with 

 clumps of wood and park-like openings between them, and after 

 two or three hours more of journe3'ing, Banff, where the Can- 

 adian government has established a national park, is reached. 

 It nestles among the mountains, and the efforts to improve this 

 beautiful spot have been mainly in the way of making roads so 

 as to open up the romantic beauties of the place, and render those 

 points which afford the most striking views easily accessible. 

 As we approach this elegant resting place for tourists, we pass 

 the '' Three Sisters," a lovely group of mountains ; also the Cas- 

 cade mountain, whose bold rocky summit rises abruptly from near 

 the railroad track more than five thousand feet above the valley. 

 This mountain derives its name from a small cascade which dashes 

 down the mountain side, in which it has Avorn a distinct channel.- 

 Some of the most lovely views to be had anywhere in the moun- 

 tains are to be seen at Banff, Avhere there is a delightful combina- 

 tion of mountain, water, and forest. A museum has been 

 established here by the government, which contains collections of 

 the mammals, birds, and plants found in the national park. 



There are also some beautiful lakes in this neighborhood. 

 Lake Louise is one of the prettiest. The bright green color of 

 its waters contrasts strongly with the pure white of the glaciers 

 beyond, while the many-hued cliffs, with various shades of brown 



