190 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. 



were abandoned or doubtful of execution. The ultimate planting of 

 from 50 to 75 per cent of the area covered by the plans is to be expected. 



In the past the method followed has been to send an agent to any 

 locality after a sufficient number of applications have been received to 

 warrant the expenditure. In .addition, a plan of systematic regional 

 studies has now been put into effect, the purpose of which is to enable 

 the Bureau to handle bj' correspondence, as fast as the studies are com- 

 pleted, the applications for assistance, except in undertakings of special 

 difficulty or unusual magnitude. 



Examinations of two distinct regions made during the year resulted 

 in the preparation of representative planting plans applicable to a large 

 number of cases. The first was the plains of eastern New Mexico and 

 western Texas. It is known that as a result of this plan 300,000 trees 

 were planted on 237 acres in the region. The second examination 

 covered the flood-damaged lands along the Kansas River, and resulted 

 in the publication of Circular No. 27 on the "Reclamation of flood- 

 damaged lands in the Kansas River Valley by forest planting." Copies 

 of this circular were distributed to the farmers of the devastated dis- 

 trict. A planting plan for the reclamation of these lands has been pre- 

 pared and is sent to those who make application to the Bureau for 

 assistance. 



The planted timber of that portion of Kansas lying west of the 

 ninety-ninth meridian was also studied during' the past season. A large 

 number of groves were measured, and from the copious notes secured 

 in the investigation and previously a report of great practical impor- 

 tance to farmers of that region has been prepared and is being pub- 

 lished as a bulletin. 



Reports are now in preparation upon other field studies made in 

 northwestern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and western Nebraska. Field 

 studies are being extended to other districts where they are urgently 

 needed. 



Along the same line sixteen circulars on the planting and growing* 

 of the commonly planted trees wei'e printed during the year, and mate- 

 rial for twenty others is now available. It is designed, when the 

 remaining important species have been so treated, to embody the cir- 

 culars in bulletins, each applicable to a definite region. 



PUBLIC LECTURES. 



In connection with the cooperative planting work sixteen public 

 meetings were held in the Middle West for the discussion of tree- 

 planting problems. In August, 1903, a course of six lectures was given 

 before the Old Salem Chautauqua Association at Petersboro, 111. 

 Courses of about the same length were given at the South Dakota 

 School of Mines and the Universitj- of Texas. Papers were also read 

 before the Kansas Horticultural Society. 



World's Fair Exhibit. 



A field exhibit of forest planting has been installed and is being 

 maintained at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The exhibit covers 

 2i acres of ground and is in three parts. The first part consists of a 

 model prairie farm laid out with suitable wind-breaks. The second 

 part is a series of woodlots planned to show suitable trees for planting 



