north of the Smoky river, but in this section they have not made 

 their appearance, and probably will not. We distribute from the 

 Dodge station more black locust than all other varieties combined. 

 While the cottonwood is undoubtedly a native of the plains, its na- 

 tivity is confined to the lowlands along the streams. My experience 

 has been that it requires more water for successful growing than any 

 other variety I know of. I would not recommend it except when it 

 is intended for pasture shade along watercourses. 



No one who is a lover of the beautiful can question the wisdom of 

 our lawmakers in establishing our forestry stations. Their benefi- 

 cent and beautifying influence is manifested in the young and thrifty 

 groves of forest-trees where, ten years ago, there was but the open ex- 

 panse of sky and grass, until the eye grew weary of the never-ending 

 monotony. Where once the prairie-dog and coyote held undisputed 

 sway, to-day can be heard the song of the mocking-bird, the thrush, 

 and the redbreast, as they nest and rear their young in our artificial 

 groves. These changes have been brought about by experimental 

 perseverance, and the forestry stations have been a most necessary 

 factor. 



I find tree planting and tree culture to be infectious ; when once 

 started or begun in a community, by some individual more enterpris- 

 ing than his neighbor, it is but a short time until the the whole land- 

 scape is dotted with artificial forests. A friendly rivalry stimulates 

 each to outdo his neighbor. We have filled, this season, from the 

 Dodge station, more than 1000 orders; from the Ogallah station, over 

 600. Of the 1600 orders sent out, only three persons refused to take 

 them. Formerly, I am told, there were a great many people who did 

 not take their trees after ordering. It is different now. The people 

 who send in their applications for trees mean to plant them and grow 

 them. This can be seen, not only on the farms but in nearly every 

 city, town and hamlet in western Kansas. 



The parks at both forestries have made a wonderful growth the 

 last year. At the Dodge station, the young trees are all up and mak- 

 ing a fine growth, and from present appearances there will be double 

 the amount grown any previous year. The Ogallah station has been 

 unfortunate in being visited by three hail-storms, at different times. 

 The last one, on the night of the 17th of June, proved the most dis- 

 astrous. 



We have replanted each time, and hope to raise sufficient trees for 

 distribution, but should the Ogallah station fail, there will be plenty 

 to supply the demands from Dodge, if the elements do not interfere. 



Our entire crop of oats and corn at the Ogallah station were de- 

 stroyed by the last hail-storm, June 17. 



Owing to the lack of water and too heavy machinery, the irriga- 



