4 Miscellaneous Circular 16, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 
OBJECTS OF TREE DISTRIBUTION AND PLANTING 
The main object of the tree distribution by the Government is to 
stimulate interest in forest-tree growing, chiefly for the production 
of fuel and fence posts and the establishment of windbreaks. With 
proper care, woodlot plantations should begin to yield fence posts 
and firewood in 15 years. Since trees will do well on soils not 
suitable for farm crops, profitable use can be made of what might 
otherwise be unproductive areas. Furthermore, the establishment 
of windbreaks and wood lots makes living conditions pleasanter 
and adds materially to the value of the property. 
THE SELECTION OF SITES FOR PLANTING 
The influence of the site, such as north slope, south slope, ridge 
top, and bottom, strongly affects the growth of various trees species. 
It is probable that the greatest success will come from planting on the 
ic. 4.—-Fifteen-year jack pine planted in the sand hills of the Nebraska National 
Forest, Thomas County, Nebr. 
north slopes, where the soil is generally more moist and is protected 
to some extent from the drying heat of the sun. Frost leaves the 
sround on the north slopes a little later in the spring, but by the 
time the oem is far enough advanced for planting (generally 
March 15 to 30) the soil will ‘be in excellent condition for planting. 
Where the Bee is level, or nearly so, the choice of site is, of course, 
not eee by topographical conditions; one place is as good as 
another. 
WHEN TO PLANT 
‘The rainfall at Halsey averages 21 inches a year, but in the ex- 
treme western portion of the State it amounts to only 15 inches. 
Tf he period from April 1 to June 30 is marked by more than the 
erage rainfall. Records show that 42 per cent of the total rain- 
il for the whole year comes in the three months of April, May, 
and June. It is very important, therefore, to begin planting imme- 
