FORESTRY MANUAL. 9 



After the fourth year these trees ■will keep down nearly all weed growth 

 and the ground will begin to be carpeted with a mulching of leaves. As 

 wanted for use, when from eight to twelve years planted, the larch trees 

 would be worth not less than fifteen cents per tree for wire fence posts, poles 

 for fencing and other uses, for f uei, otc. The account would then stand : 



Credit to larch, forty-two hundred trees at 15 cents each $630.00 



Outlay in cash and labor , 1 10.00 



Estimated profit $520.00 



Is this an unfair statement or one not sustained by actual prairie experi- 

 ence ? 



The rent of land is not included, nor interest on investment, but as an 

 offset to this and other possible contingencies, we have the two acres cov- 

 ered with a rank growth of pines, fifteen to twenty feet in height. If we 

 consider these as an investment for our children, and as important addi- 

 tions to the beauty and real selling value of the place, we can well afford 

 the outlay. As to health and rapidity of growth of the pine there is no 

 doubt. H. C. Raymond, of Council Bluffs, is fitting up a site for the new 

 house of his older days, which he expects to build with lumber now grow- 

 ing in his beautiful pine grove, now twelve years planted, and it is well 

 worth a visit to Council Bluffs to see this grove. His Scotch pines are doing 

 well. 



As to the estimated value of the larch poles, we have plenty of experience 

 in all the older counties of the Western States proving the above estimate 

 too low, if the poles and posts prove durable. Where set in the ground 

 green they do not prove very durable ; when thoroughly dry, we don't yet 

 know how long they will last, as no case of rotting of prairie grown posts 

 thus prepared will probably be reported yet for many years. As to the 

 kind of larch, the European has given best satisfaction in growth, but do 

 not hesitate to plant the American variety if good plants can be obtained 

 cheaply. Those from Wisconsin have grown as fast as the European, and 

 the poles are just as durable. Prepare the ground for planting in the fall 

 and put out the larch plants just as' early in spring as the ground can be 

 worked. They start very early and at a very low temperature, and are very 

 apt to die or be seriously set back, if started before setting. 



In handling the young pines, if the tops are clipped quite severely they 

 will be more certain to do well. Do not expose the roots for a single miniite 

 to air or sun. If other conifers be mixed in the plantation, it will add to 

 the beauty of the ground. 



The relative value of the conifers for shelter-belts and ornamental pur- 

 poses, is considered in the annual reports of the Horticultural Society/ A 

 copy of which should be in the hands of every prairie farmer. •'•"■ 



