54 THE TREES OF AMERICA. 



8. From ten to twenty-five per cent, more of fuel is used on windy days than 

 on calm ones. 



9. This is the case when the wind is blowing in the direction of the passing 

 train, and when, as might be supposed, the wind would aid the progress of the 

 cars. 



10. Less fuel is used upon cloudy days than upon fair — both being calm ; 

 less, also, upon rainy or snowy days, under the same condition in regard to the 

 wind. 



11. The lowest estimated cost of fence is two doUars and seventy-five cents 

 a rod — eight feet high. 



It will be perceived by this that trees or bushes form not only a barrier against 

 drifting snows, but also, by affording a protection against the ^yuld, cause a ma- 

 terial saving in fuel, by preventing the abstraction of caloric. Rows of trees, 

 which will form efficient barriers to break the wind and prevent the drifting of 

 snows upon- our railroads, might be planted at a small part of the expense of 

 the ordinary fences for this purpose, while they would continue to increase in 

 value from year to year as the others were passing into decay. Such live fences 

 would do much to benefit these roads, in many ways which will suggest them- 

 selves to every one, while they would materially aid in the larger idea of ameli- 

 orating the climate. This subject, which we have not room to pursue further, is 

 one of great importance. If the payment or non-payment of dividends upon 

 railroads, as says an authority upon the subject, often depends upon the amount 

 of fuel consumed, it would seem to demand the attention of the thousands con- 

 cerned in these enterprises. While who does not perceive that the additional 

 comfort which the protection of trees would afford to travellers would add much to 

 the attractions of this method of journeying ! The Scotch fir or pine seems to 

 us, so far as we have examined the matter, the best adapted for the purpose. 

 They can be purchased by the thousand for one or two cents apiece ; and such 

 is the ease of transplanting them, that this process may be done for perhaps a 

 less sum, (such, at least, is our experience in regard to them,) while they will 

 thrive in almost any situation, and upon any soil, however poor. 



