128 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



a distance on low-priced, non-agricultural lands which have in the past 

 supported a forest growth, and where the natural conditions are favour- 

 able. 



For these reasons, prairie planting can, as a rule, be expected 

 to be carried on only on a small or moderate scale, as an adjunct to 

 farming operations, and where the incidental benefits are chiefly consid- 

 ered, rather than the commercial value of the timber itself. 



Protection of the forest cover is urged on the mountain water- 

 sheds, in order to protect the soil of the mountains from erosion and the 

 soil of the low-lands from being borne away by floods, which would 

 foUow the denudation of the mountain slopes. However, floods are 

 not the only agency which bring about the erosion of valuable farming 

 lands. Experience has already shown that, in the prairie provinces, 

 where cultivation has extended over considerable areas, the strong 

 prevailing winds cause drifting of the soil. This is a form of sheet- 

 erosion, and causes great damage to standing crops, besides decreasing 

 the capacity of the land to produce future crops, since the upper layer 

 of the soil is most fertile. To meet this situation, the planting of trees 

 as windbreaks is essential. 



The breaking of the wind will decrease the evaporation of moisture 

 from the soil for a considerable distance on the leeward side from the 

 prevailirig winds. As a result, growing crops will be materially pro- 

 tected ; and wiU make a better growth than would otherwise be possi- 

 ble. This has been found to apply particularly to orchards, where the 

 beneficial effects of windbreak protection are truly surprising. By 

 planting a series of wind-breaks through a period of years, the entire 

 farm may be safeguarded, and at the same time a perpetual source of 

 wood supplies will be ensured for farm use as well as a source of revenue 

 from sales. 



The planting of windbreaks will tend to prevent snow blowing off 

 the land in winter, and thus, by instuing a greater supply of soil-moisture 

 will bring about better crops. Not only this, but, by properly locating 

 the plantations, protection wiU be afforded facm-buildings and live- 

 stock, thus reducing fuel and feed bills. It unquestionably takes more 

 grain to produce a pound of flesh upon animals exposed to the cold 

 winds of winter than upon stock that is protected from blizzards. In 

 summer, the trees wiU likewise afford shade and protection. 



Aside from all the above, the presence of groves of trees upon a 

 prairie farm renders the place more attractive and comfortable, and 

 adds materially to its desirability and sale value. The added value 

 on this account has been estimated as high as $i,ooo per acre of planta- 

 tion. 



