THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 1.'.') 



true that if the floor is to be perpetually hidden hy that uncleanly article, 

 the carpet, then third-class pine is as good as any other lumber ; but if a 

 better taste should ever lead us to discard this dust gathering nuisance, 

 then the hard woods will come in play. For the best and most desirable 

 floors, whether plain or ornamsntal, aie made in this country of such woods 

 us maple and oak. 



MOEE TEEES AND SHELTEll BELTS. 



Few people realize tlie enormous draft made upon the forests of our 

 country. Where does all the timber come from 1 From remote timber 

 land« which are growing further off each year. The price of lumber will 

 get higher at a rapid rate, as this vast destruction goes in. W hat are 

 farmers doiug to counteract this dejAetion, and to provide for the future? 

 Nothing, except in some of the treeless States, where liere and there some 

 efforts have been made to provide wind-breaks, and to plant out. groves. 

 It must be that farmers do not like long investments, and so thoy do not 

 lay the foundation for future fuel aud building material. When we know 

 what the future will require, it is wise economy to provide for it. Ten 

 years hence not less than 20,000,000 railroad ties alone will be needed 

 annually. Fence posts by the million will be wanted, while the immense 

 consunjption of lumber of all kinds will be largely increased. The farmer 

 should provide for this certain demand of the future. When once planted, 

 started, unlike most other things, forest trees take care of themselves. 

 Here is an investment with a sure profit. There are millions of acres of 

 rough land, hillsides and untillible spots, which could be clothed with 

 forest trees growing into money. This is not an ardent tree planter's 

 theory, but a truth which has been often demonstrated. 



Locust trees planted at Kirby Homestead fifteen years ago on a steep 

 hillside liave furnished ten posts each. In the Legislature of New York 

 State a bill has been introduced to make it obligatory upon every county 

 to spend $500 yearly in encouraging tree planting. Farmers should do 

 tliis work for future profit, and there ought to be a universtil and systematic 

 interest in it. Seedling forest trees can be had at so cheap a rate that the 

 fii-st cost is but a trifle. They are furnislied at a cent apiece, and sent by 

 mail. In twenty years the investment of a cent would be three or five 

 hundred times greater. Unsightly j)laces may be made attractive, and 

 shelter-belts be provided, which will add largely to the value of other lands. 

 Early Spring, before any new growth has begun, is the best time to trans- 

 plant evergreens, but it may be done successfully in July and August, it 

 plenty of water is u.sed to wet the ground and the roots, and if the roots 

 are not exposed to the hot sun. Water enough should be thrown into the 

 hole where the tree is set to saturate the ground thoroughly, aud dry 

 earth be put on top. It would be better if some kind of mulch — leaves 

 or straw — be placed on the surface. All kinds of trees delight in mellow 

 ground, and are far more likely to live when the land is in tliis condition. 

 ^Shelter belts may be an idea in advor.ce of Eastern notions, but it is one 

 which should be put in pnrctice without delay.-— j.V. }'. 2'ribune. 



