important part in domestic and commercial economy, supplying in a 

 large measure the home fuel, fence-posts, etc, etc. As a wind- or snow- 

 break, once established, they have no equal, and are practically inde- 

 structible ; and right here I would most earnestly call the attention of 

 the railroads throughout the West to the efficacy of a grown timber 

 snowbreak. It is no longer an experiment, but a tried success. 

 Several years ago the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad set out 

 several of these snowbreaks along their line in this county, at localities 

 that in the past had been a source of yearly annoyance and expense 

 from snow blockades. With but little care and attention they have 

 grown into a permanent, indestructible snowbreak. 



I would suggest the following rules in setting out a snow- or wind- 

 break : Prepare the ground by deep plowing in the fall ; the follow- 

 ing spring set out two rows of black or honey-locust or Russian 

 mulberry, with a row of Osage orange between, leaving sufficient space 

 between rows for cultivation the first few years with a plow ; set close 

 together and avoid trimming for the first few years. By adopting 

 this plan the snowfall will be held and drifts accumulate, which will 

 supply the needed moisture for their early start and growth. 



The two forestry stations were selected with the view of thoroughly 

 testing the practicability of tree growing on the arid plains, and, to 

 make the test as crucial as possible, they were each located on the 

 highest ground in their respective localities. As a result, one of the 

 most trying difficulties we have to contend with is the ever-present 

 Kansas winds. In excessive dry times the wind blows the soil from 

 the small top roots or feeders. I have obviated this difficulty, in a 

 measure, by mulching with half-rotted hay or straw, which retains 

 moisture and gives most beneficial results. 



As to the varieties of forest- trees that are best adapted to successful 

 growing in western Kansas, I will say that, in naming them, I speak 

 from a personal experience in this locality extending over a period 

 of thirty years. During this time there has scarcely been a year 

 that I have not done something in the way of tree planting. I would 

 recommend the following varieties of trees for western Kansas, south 

 of the Smoky river: Cotton wood for the lowlands and along the 

 streams; black locust, yellow locust, honey-locust, white ash, catalpa, 

 mulberry, soft maple, and last, but not least, the Osage orange. It is 

 very hardy, and in this climate makes a rapid growth, is a most excel- 

 ent wind- and snowbreak, and in a few years is large enough for 

 fence-posts. Of course there are several other varieties which we are 

 growing at the forestry, but these above mentioned are the most hardy. 



North of the Smoky river, I would recommend the honey-locust, 

 white ash, saphora or yellowwood, hackberry, elm, box-elder, Russian 

 olive, and silver maple. The borers are destroying the black locust 



