Planting in Nebraska and Kansas. 353 



■worih what they cost, although it might uot he expected that they 

 would become larger trees. 



1425. In river valleys upon the plains, where the water disap- 

 pears wholly from the surface in summer, and the channels appear 

 to be utterly arid, the water may still, in many places, be found by , 

 digging to a distance not greater than that which may be reached 

 by the roots of trees. 



1426. The black walnut appears to be the best adapted to these 

 situations, and although not so rapid in growth as some other trees, it 

 makes a success where the sub-soil is not too firm and moisture is 

 within reach. In such localities, transplanting is impossible, and 

 the nuts previously sprouted must be planted where the trees are to 

 grow. 



1427. The general statements in this chapter, drawn chiefly from 

 the experience of Kansas, will apply, with some modification, to 

 Nebraska. The soil is very nearly the same ; in both States the 

 surface rises at about the same grade as we go west, and the difier- 

 ence in latitude would scarcely be felt, except in a very few species. 

 The Osage-orange would be found less hardy in Nebraska, and the 

 white willow probably more thrifty. 



1428. In both States, we can not too strongly urge the importance 

 of the cottonwoods and other ra,pidly growing kinds as nurses for 

 the more valuable, which can not be started without shelter when 

 young. It is also found that fall planting has many advantages 

 not formerly realized, and in some situations a decided preference. 

 It is an excellent practice, in new and untried locations, to multiply 

 experiments in the small way, before investing largely in any thing 

 in the way of tree-planting. These experiments may apply to dif- 

 ferent species — to difierent times and methods of sowing or plant- 

 ing — difierent soils, and various modes of management. By these 

 means alone can one depend upon the particular course best adapted 

 to his location, and the manner of obtaining the best results. 



