X4 FORESTRY MANUAL. 



and when the poles are large enough for two rails they divide like the chest- 

 nut, and the rails, nailed on posts, are very strong and durable. At any 

 stage of growth the poles are durable set in the ground, if thoroughly dried 

 before they are set. A very dry elm pole, set for a hop-pole twelve years 

 ago, is still standing. 



This special commendation of the Red elm may be received with some 

 donbt by those who have given the matter little attention. The idea is not 

 intended to be conveyed that exclusive plantations be made of any one tree. 

 But example and habit have too much influence in guiding tree-planting. 

 The Soft maple, for instance, has become, over our State, the popular tree 

 for general planting. Let us suppose the Red elm has become equally pop- 

 ular. It grows as rapidly, it is far hardier, it is freer from insect ravages, it 

 is worth far more for fuel, it is excellent for rails and even posts, its lumber 

 is valuable for stable floors, bridge plank, wagon hubs, and many other uses, 

 the trees require little, if any, care in the way of pruning, etc., etc. If it 

 pould supplant the maple, the gain would soon be very apparent. 



The seeds of the elm ripen in May, usually before the trees come into full 

 leaf. The seeds are light, and being surrounded by a membranous wing, 

 they are widely scattered by the wind. Sow at once on gathering, and by all 

 means sow where wanted if possible. They may be planted in corn hills to 

 excellent advantage. They usually grow about one foot in height the first 

 season. Planting with corn is an advantage, as the plants are sometimes 

 injured when very young by direct exposure to our dry air and hot sun of 

 July and August. The plants transplant readily, but if you want rapid 

 growth, never break the first tap-root. 



SOFT MAPLE, 



This and the Red maple are well-known trees all over the prairie States 

 where trees have been planted. It is unfortunate for our farming interests 

 that it is so well known; a cord of its wood from young groves is worth but 

 a trifle more than a cord of cottonwood, and it has literally no recognized 

 value for any other use in the farm management The older plantations 

 demonstrate that it begins to decline in groves when about fifteen years of 

 age, just when most of our trees of a better grade begin to make more rapid 

 growth, and it is very liable to be broken off by our strong winds. 



Yet we say, plant the Soft maple if it be found inconvenient to start more 

 valuable species. When the crab-apple is in blossom is a good time to go 

 for the seeds ; plant at once in moist ground. If gathered where floating on 

 water, all the better. 



ASH-LEAVED MAPLE. 



This is a tree of the far Northwest, and planted in isolated positions on 

 our bleakest prairies it yet maintains health and vigor. Its timber for fuel 

 is far more valuable than Soft maple. For other farm uses its wood has little 

 value, unless, as in Europe, it becomes useful in cabinet work: Tor isolated 

 shade-trees on the prairies it has no superior, either as to perfection in health 



