62 TREES AND TREE-PLANTING. 
and orchardist in Kansas need to study. If we doubt the 
deductions of science, we certainly ought not to be slow 
in accepting the testimony of experience. Tree-planters 
have long advocated shelter-belts, for they know the de- 
ductions of science are in their favor, and the testimony 
of experience has been brought across the ocean to prove 
these positions ; but the disasters of 1874 have brought 
out the experienced testimony of hundreds in Kansas. 
These can say, at least, that we know whereof we affirm 
when we report that in our experience shelter-belts have 
exerted a controlling influence on farm crops. 
“Tt is time for the farmers of Kansas to look at the 
practical side of this question. 
“The whole matter of protection needs to be thorough- 
ly studied. Let the whole subject be carefully systema- 
tized with reference to the broadest results. We need to 
consider at large what to plant, when to plant, in what way 
to combine and extend our shelter-belts ; how the inter- 
ests of neighborhoods, towns, and even counties, run to- 
gether in this work ; how the interest of every property- 
holder may be concerned in this matter; what may be 
justly claimed of our state and government to encourage 
the work; and, lastly, how to reach and gain the atten- 
tion of the great mass of farmers on this question. These 
points are too broad and too important for a brief dis- 
cussion.” 
