132 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



More recently, a definite policy has been adopted of encouraging 

 tree planting on irrigated lands purchased from the Company by settlers 

 in southern Alberta. The Company offers to supply, free of charge, 

 half of the trees required, and offers prizes for the best showing made. 



Forest Planting in Ontario * 



There are in Ontario two classes of lands which should be perman- 

 ently managed for forest crops. These are, first, the small isolated 

 patches of non-agricultural soils to be found throughout otherwise 

 good farm lands ; and, second, the large contiguous areas of non- 

 agricultural soils which exist in many parts of the Province. It is 

 estimated that there is, in the old settled portion of Ontario, (south of 

 the Ottawa river) an aggregate of about 8,500 square miles of farmers' 

 woodlands. It is safe to say that there is, in addition to the assessed 

 woodlands, another area of 8,500 square miles which is suited only for 

 forest growth.! 



To assist and encourage the private owner of such lands to plant 

 them to forest trees, the Provincial Department of Agriculture has 

 embarked on a definite and extensive plan of / co-operation. The 

 Department undertakes, so far as the means at its disposal will permit, 

 to assist in the growing of a forest plantation or woodlot, by directing 

 through one of its officers as to preparation of soil, varieties to plant 

 and manner of planting, and as to care after planting. The De- 

 partment also endeavours to furnish seedling trees or cuttings, as plant 

 material free of charge, up to the amount required to plant two acres 

 for any individual during one season. 



The owner on his part, must prepare the soil, plant and care for the 

 trees, and do all the actual work in connection with the plantations, 

 in accordance with the directions of the Department. Planting is 

 especially encouraged on such TOste portions of the farm as steep 

 hillsides, Hght sandy, rocky, or gravelly spots, swamp lands and por- 

 tions of farm cut off by streams or otherwise. However, in certain 

 localities without woodlands, it may be found advisable to plant on good 

 agricultural soil, if the owner so desires. 



The work of tree distribution was first started in 1906, along the 

 above lines. Nearly one and a half million trees have been distributed 

 since that time. During 191 2, 375,000 plants were distributed, — 



* Prepared from official publications of the Ontario Department of Agricultiure 

 and from a statement by E. J. Zavitz, Provincial Forester. 



t Report on the Reforestation of waste lands in Southern Ontario, by E. J 

 Zavitz, Department of Agriculture, 1908. 



