CHAPTER VIII 

 THE TREE PLANTATION ON THE PRAIRIE FARM 



A DISTINCTION must be made between growing a planta- 

 tion and growing trees. In tree growing the purpose is to 

 secure the highest development of the individual. The 

 trees are set out singly, or in groups or rows, but left 

 sufficiently far apart to prevent one from interfering with 

 the growth of the other. When a plantation is desired it 

 is the grove as a whole that must be considered. It may 

 be that certain trees will not be able to reach their best 

 growth. In the interest of the whole grove and the use 

 to which it is put, the individual tree may be sacrificed. 

 If one wishes a row of fine trees, it is necessary to cultivate 

 the ground thoroughly until the trees are well grown. In a 

 plantation, however, the purpose is to produce a ground 

 cover as soon as possible. This means that the ground is 

 so shaded that the growth of weeds stops for lack of light. 

 Perhaps the plantation's worst enemy is grass, and only a 

 thorough ground cover will kill it or prevent its growth. 

 Cultivation is necessary until the cover is sufficient and 

 then it may cease. 



Then, too, if good trees are desired it is necessary to 

 prune them. The trunk must be kept clear of branches, 

 and the crown shaped to fit its location, The plantation 



