12i SOUTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 



V 



a grove planted on the crest of a ridge; a plowed field sloping 

 from it toward the highway. The snow was melting rapidly, 

 and the water from a drift that had formed among the trees, 

 could be seen moistening the entire field as it sought the lower 

 levels. 



These instances, coupled with the present interest in irriga- 

 tion or other water supply for crops, have impressed upon me the 

 value of forest trees in this connection. If the heights of the 

 farm can be planted with trees that will catch the snow, a great 

 saving of moisture to the adjacent fields can be effected. The 

 plan has been tried many times, and has been commended in sev- 

 eral letters received the past year. But usually the trees are 

 placed on low ground, and this benefit has thus been lost. Most 

 trees grow best on low land, but if the ground is well prepared 

 and if the trees are given good cultivation they will succeed in 

 the higher places. 



GROVE PLANTING, 



All necessary preparation should be made before the day 

 for planting trees arrives. The land should be plowed twelve 

 inches deep. Of course, it is best to reach this depth by turning 

 "up new soil gradually, going an inch or two deeper for four or 

 five years. It is doubtful if very deep plowing on new land is 

 'ever advisible. It requires at least three years of thorough cul- 

 ture to kill the wild growth of prairies. During these three 

 years land broken two inches deep can be plowed four, six and 

 >eight inches, though many excellent farmers advocate a more 

 gradual deepening than this. However, if care has been taken 

 to kill all the wild roots particularly of the prairie grasses, four 

 inches or even six inches of new soil can be turned for trees in 

 order to reach a depth of twelve inches, when for almost any other 

 nth of new soil on the surface would not be advisa- 

 ble. In case it is necessary to turn four or six inches of new soil, 

 it is very desirable thai the work should be done early in the fall, 

 so that the frosts of winter can disintegrate the solid earth thus 

 turned, and the air can permeate it thoroughly. In the spring 

 careful harrowing is advisable, so that the land shall be in the 

 finest tilth when planting time arrives. Fall plowing is always 





