Mav. 191d.] Conditions in Central and Western Kansas. 353 



furnish a basis for accurate estimates of their rates of growth 

 and their general value. 



Demonstrations in other agricultural lines authorized by the 

 legislature have been begun. The possibility of preparing soil 

 for trees by the use of preceding crops is the main object un- 

 dertaken, but the value of the cowpea in furnishing a protein 

 feed for localities where other legumes have not been intro- 

 duced was incidental to its use in preparing soil for tree pur- 

 poses. A comparison of the value of milo maize, both dwarf 

 and standard varieties, with the Kafir corns, was begun and 

 will be continued. 



The season was less favorable at the Dodge City Station, 

 but good crops of fodders were obtained. Demonstrations of 

 the value of improved seed wheat are also under way on land 

 not yet required for the work with trees. 



The wholesale distribution of seedlings undertaken by these 

 Stations in the past has not been productive of the good in- 

 tended. The evil of setting poorly handled trees in poorly pre- 

 pared soil has been discussed in this report, and it is not pro- 

 posed to continue this evil. The nursery efforts will be in the 

 direction of ascertaining means of producing trees which are 

 best adapted to western Kansas conditions and ascertaining the 

 added value and the feasibility of the planting by general 

 farmers of seeds where the trees are to stand. 



Trees grown by these Stations will be used in demonstrations 

 made in cooperation with individuals, school districts, coun- 

 ties and towns, and careful investigation will be made as to the 

 preparation of the soil and adaptation of trees for the several 

 locations. 



It is the hope of the State Experiment Station that through 

 the office of state forester the facts concerning tree growth and 

 the probabilities of success with the various species may be so 

 widely disseminated that a much greater degree of success may 

 attend future efforts in tree planting. It is certain the proper 

 preparation of soil and correct selection of species should pre- 

 cede any planting. 



There are many localities, particularly in central Kansas, 

 where plantations for post and pole purposes are as nearly cer- 

 tain to produce very good profits as are any agricultural in- 

 vestments. The office of state forester will attempt to advise 

 prospective planters concerning the adaptation of species to 



