The forms suited for planting can be obtained through the 

 leading nurseries. 



The box-elder possesses many of the requisites of a 

 typical windbreak tree, growing rapidly while young, forming 

 a dense, heavy growth, and thriving in any climate. Its de- 

 fects are that it never gets tall enough and does not live long 

 enough. It can be used for the first few years with elm and 

 ash, cutting it out as it crowds the other trees. 



In the eastern part of the state we have found the soft 

 or silver maple to be among the best of windbreak trees. It 

 makes a rapid, heavy growth and the lower branches keep 

 vigorous and healthy. It is not found to be satisfactory 

 everywhere, but in locations having a reasonable amount of 

 soil moisture it grows well. In favorable surroundings it at- 

 tains to great age and size. 



In poor, dry soils or on alkali soil, the oleaster, commonly 

 known as the Russian wild olive, is about the most success- 

 ful tree. It never attains a large size and the top is short- 

 lived, though it will grow again from the roots when the old 

 tops are cut down. Its thorny character makes it a good 

 protection against stock. It should not be extensively planted 

 where larger and better trees will grow, but in difficult loca- 

 tions it is a very valuable tree for windbreaks. 



The native or green ash is ordinarly looked upon as a 

 grove or timber tree, but it has many qualities fitting it for a 

 place in the shelter belt. It is of fair size, makes a dense, 

 heavy top, and will grow on almost any kind of soil. Its 

 growth under average conditions is about one and one-half 

 feet per 'year. It does not make a dense growth close to the 

 ground, as do the willow and oleaster. 



The white or American elm is preeminently a shade tree, 

 but some of our best windbreaks owe their good qualities 

 largely to this tree. It gives permanence, stability, and 

 height, as well as character and beauty to the windbreak. 



Plate No. 2 is a view of a windbreak eighteen years old 

 and twenty-seven feet high, the south row being elm. The 

 elm grew slowly at first, but is now making a yearly growth 

 of about three feet. It requires a good, moist soil to make 

 a rapid growth. 



The common gray or white willow, which has been so large- 

 ly planted in the west during the last fifty years, is perhaps the 

 best single deciduous tree for the shelter belt. It makes a 



