ANNUAL REPORT. 75 



tics desired of grasses suitable for planting on these worn-out 

 ranges. Experiments are being conducted at this Station and, if 

 other species are found to meet our needs, the matter will be called 

 to the attention of the stockmen. 



SHADE TREES AND ORNAMENTAL VINES IN MONTANA. 



As the result of observations in the different parts of the 

 state and of the work at the Station, it is now possible to 

 determine with fair certainty many of the shade trees and orna- 

 mental vines adapted to the climatic conditions of Montana. 

 These results ha e been ' published in the First Farmers' Institute 

 Annual (pp. 202-210), but a brief summation will here be given for 

 the benefit of those who have not access to that report. 



For general agricultural and horticultural purposes the state 

 of Montana may be divided into four general divisions determined 

 by climate: 



1. The EASTERN PLAINS, comprising mainly the valleys of the 

 Missouri and Yellowstone below the mountains with their imme- 

 diate tributaries, the conditions of the higher benches and uplands 

 being more nearly that of the next. 



The most reliable and most satisfactory shade tree here is the 

 common cottonwood (Populus deltoides) of the bottoms and its 

 near but more graceful relative the Carolina Poplar. The Lom- 

 bardy poplar (P. dilatata) should do fairly well in this region, 

 although it does not appear to have been planted to any extent, 

 and its tall spire-shaped habit would make in very effective in 

 beautifying the landscape in the wider parts of these valleys. The 

 silver poplar also flourishes here, but as elsewhere sprouts badly. 

 Russian poplars have been found hardy and the European willow 

 (Salix fragilis or 5. alba) are perfectly adapted to this region and 

 the latter lends a pleasing variety to the wide leaved trees usually 

 planted, while the weeping willow (S. Babylonica) is still more or- 

 namental and can be grown here wherever there is sufficient water 

 for irrigation. 



The green ash (Fraxinus viridis) is a native throughout most 



