HOW TO GET THE TREES FOR PLANTING 



359 



that grown in a narrow wind break. Trees grown in wide planta- 

 tions will grow straight, and have fewer knots than those having 

 open ground on both sides - . Compare the trees in figures 258 and 

 259 as to number of limbs and timber knots. The denser the trees 

 are grown the taller and straighter will be the timber, and the 

 freedom from knots and side limbs is remarkable. 



Shelter belts should be planted with trees that are suited to the 

 region. In the Middle West walnuts, hickories, elms and other 

 hardwoods are usually thrifty and successful (Fig. 260). The 



Fig. 259. — Spruce, cedar and pine will grow well on rocky hill sides. (Photo by Waugh.) 



cone-bearing trees, such as pines, hemlocks, and spruces would 

 not endure the dry seasons of much of the western prairie region. 

 Select those trees which you find by the experience of others have 

 proved themselves suitable to your section. 



The width of the shelter belt may be made to suit the desires 

 and conditions of the owner. Plant the trees about six to eight 

 feet apart each way and mingle the varieties rather than plant all 

 one kind in solid blocks. 



How to Get the Trees for Planting. — Forest nurseries are main- 

 tained in nearly all states. When very young the trees may be 



