16 



ground, and each tree will make from one to three first-class fence 

 posts. The owner states that some of the trees froze back the first 

 two or three winters, but recovered and have since made a thrifty 

 growth. Other successful specimens may be found as far west as 

 Scotts Bluffs. Near Hershe}^, Nebr., there are two plantations 15 

 years old which, though seriously damaged in the winter of 1901-2, 

 are now 3delding a large number of excellent posts. 



Although examples of successful planting may thus be cited, attempts 

 to grow black locust have frequently failed. In the South Platte 

 Valley it can be planted with greater safety than in the North Platte 

 Valley, but in neither is it thoroughly hardy. The wood of black 

 locust is ver}^ durable, and the tree when planted on good soil and given 

 sufficient moisture will reach post size in ten years. The insect ene- 

 mies which are injurious to its growth in other sections of the country 

 have thus far done very little damage in these valleys. 



WHITE ELM. 



White elm is a very desirable tree for planting. While it prefers 

 rich, alluvial soil, it will, nevertheless, do well on uplands under irri- 

 gation. It grows very rapidly, is hardy, and is excellent as an orna- 

 mental tree and for windbreaks. 



HACKBERRY. 



HacKberry closely resembles elm in general appearance, especially 

 when 3^oung. It is more drought resistant, however, and will endure 

 a wirder range of soil conditions, and its hardiness is one of its chief 

 virtues. It is an excellent tree for windbreaks as well as for orna- 

 mental planting. Its wood makes good fuel. 



COTTONWOOD. 



One of the best trees for general planting under irrigation is cotton- 

 wood. It is easily propagated, grows rapidly, and is very hardy. It 

 thrives best on rich alluvial soils, and will succeed on any of the irri- 

 gated lands under consideration. The growing of cottonwood on the 

 table-land without irrigation should not be attempted. It is a very 

 common fuel on the plains, and in this region no other tree, with 

 the possible exception of CaroKna poplar, will, in a given time, 

 produce so much fuel per acre. The timber is used quite exten- 

 sively for the framework of farm buildings and for bridge planking. 

 In some sections it is used for posts and telephone poles, though it is 

 not durable in contact with the ground. 



A common objection urged against cottonwood is the annoyance 

 caused by the flying of the seed or " cotton." This may be avoided 



[Cir. 109] 



