, 1 ND EXPERIMENT S TA TJON. 135 



other, and a straight bole results. The Elm wood can be sub- 

 stituted for ash for mam- farm uses, and it is especially valuable 

 when a tough timber is desired. When dry it is a fairly good 

 wood for fuel, but not equal to ash. 



The Red or Slippery Elm (Ulmus fidva), is recotnmen 

 very highly by Iowa planters, but I have not heard of it yet in 

 Dakota plantations. 



BivACK WILD CHERRY (Prunus scrotina). This species is 

 most successful on deep, rich soil, but succeeds well enough on 

 high land to deserve a place in every grove. It is unnecessary 

 to mention the high quality of its timber, which almost equals. 

 Black Walnut for cabinet making. Its peculiar value to the 

 South Dakota planter lies in its fruit, which is greatly relished; 

 by birds. A grove that contains a number of fruiting wild 

 cherry trees is apt to be comparative!}- free from insect ravages-, 

 as the birds that are attracted by the fruit will usually keep down 

 the insects. The fruit is liked also, by many people, and is 

 very healthful. 



The tree is not quite hardy while very young, the tips of 

 the branches of three-year-old trees killing back at the station, 

 but like the soft maple, it becomes more hardy with age. 



It has been fruited for three years in Grant county, and is 

 worthy of extended trial in all parts of the state. It is an at- 

 tractive species ' throughout the season. In June it is covered, 

 with sweet scented white flowers, which are followed by hanging, 

 clusters of dark colored fruit, while throughout the season the. 

 foliage is a rich, sprightly green color. 



HACKBERRY (Celtis occidental is). This is a tree that is sel- 

 dom seen outside the native groves of the state, where it is com- 

 mon. It deserves a place in every plantation if for no better 

 reason than its beauty. It is one of the best native fuel woods., 

 and while delighting in damp soil has been grown successsulh/ 

 on upland. 



The fruit may be gathered from trees in the natural groves 

 in t"he fall, mixed with sand and frozen over winter and planted. 



