Tree Distribution Under the Kinkaid Act 5 
diately after the frost leaves the ground, so that the trees can get 
the full benefit of the spring rains. 
SPECIES TO PLANT 
There are several trees suitable for planting in this district, and a 
brief discussion of the characteristics of each is given to assist the 
planter in selecting those which will best suit his particular needs. 
Those which are likely to give the best satisfaction are the conifer- 
ous or “evergreen” trees. Western yellow pine, Scotch pine, Aus- 
trian pine, jack pine, and red cedar will grow in this region. Some 
of the hardwoods (deciduous or broadleaf trees) that will grow are 
cottonwood (fig. 5), American elm, honey locust, hackberry, green 
ash, Russian olive, Chinese elm, and black walnut. 
Hardwoods require more moisture and better soil than pines, and 
also require cultivation to insure success. Most of the land in the 
Kinkaid district is characterized by a sandy soil which can not be 
Fic. 5.—Cottonwood plantation at the University of Nebraska substation, North 
Platte, Nebr. 
safely cultivated because of blowing. It is therefore obvious that 
pines, which do not have to be cultivated, are in general best suited 
to the region and that hardwoods should be employed only where the 
better grades of soil are found or where some local conditions favor 
their growth. Jn addition, evergreens make a more satisfactory wind- 
break, because the foilage remains on the trees throughout the year. 
The timber produced is also of better grade than that of the ordinary 
hardwoods grown in the sand hills. 
The degree of success that will follow planting depends largely 
on the care exercised in selecting the site on which the trees are 
planted. Some trees will do better on a north slope, others on a 
ridge; most of the hardwood species will succeed best in the bottoms. 
The man who expects to get results must consider the requirements 
of the different species he is planting. 
All of these species are not available every year, but so far as 
possible trees best suited to the land to be planted are sent to each 
applicant. No fruit trees are furnished from this nursery. 
