Uses of Low Wind-breaks. 51 
the eye, and augmented as the distance from the 
wind-breaks increased. 
“It appears from these observations, and from the 
protection against drifting which is afforded by grass 
fields, hedge-rows and groves, that a system of ro- 
tation should be followed on such lands which 
avoids broad, continuous fields. The fields should 
be laid out in narrow lands, and alternate ones kept 
in clover and grass. Wind-breaks of suitable trees 
must also have a_ beneficial effect when maintained 
in narrow belts along line fences and railroads, and, 
perhaps, wagon roads, in places.” 
Budd writes* as follows respecting the low wind- 
breaks of Manitoba: ‘Professor N. E. Hansen and 
others recently made a trip to Indian Head and 
Brandon. He was surprised to find miles of low 
wind-break not over five or six feet in height to stop 
the sweep of the wind on the surface of the earth. 
These low hedges are made: by planting the shrubby 
artemisia. This grows readily from cuttings stuck in 
early spring, and soon attains its final height. It is 
really proving a blessing in that land of winds, 
where even the wheat is blown out of the ground 
if the wind is permitted to hug the earth’s surface. 
We found this a common shrub on the steppes of 
central Russia, and introduced it as an ornamental 
plant. The thought did not occur that it would 
become the most popular wind-break of the wheat 
districts of Manitoba and Northwest Territory.” 
Atmospheric drainage.—The air is rarely, if ever, 
* Rural Life, 1896. 
