29 



of Cottonwood and not as high as that of willow, but its yield per acre 

 in a given time is considerably less than either. Perhaps the chief 

 economic value of this species is for use as a nurse for some of the 

 better trees, such as walnut, or for shelter and shade. Its rapid 

 growth and branchy form are in its favor for windbreak planting, and 

 as a shade tree it has commendable qualities. It is very hardy and 

 easily propagated. 



RUSSIAN MULBERRY. 



Russian mulberr}^ has a limited value in forest planting, especially 

 on the dry uplands in the southwestern counties. It can not be 

 planted with safet}^ far north of the Platte River. On account of its 

 low-branching habit it is one of the best of trees for windbreaks, 

 either in belts or in single rows. Many orchardists prefer it, for the 

 birds feed upon its fruit instead of the fruit of the orchard. 



As a post timber Russian mulberry is excellent, since the wood is 

 exceedingly durable in contact with the soil. Its profuse branching 

 habits, however, make it difficult to secure a large yield of posts. Its 

 fuel value is relatively high, but the cordwood yield is low. 



WHITE ELM. 



White elm, tho one of the hardiest trees native to the State, does 

 not have a very large place in economic planting, but in ornamental 

 planting should have first rank. 



The chief value of elm in economic planting is as a filler with such 

 more useful trees as black walnut, catalpa, ash, honey locust, etc. 



LOMBARDY POPLAR. 



A large amount of lombardy poplar has been planted in Cache Creek 

 Valle}^ to prove up timber claims. Frequentl}^ also it has been set out 

 in single rows. The tree succeeds unusually well in this region, mak- 

 ing a good growth and showing no inclination to become stagheaded, 

 as in the plains States. It should be planted guardedly, however, 

 since it is quite generally a failure elsewhere in Nebraska. 



BLACK LOCUST. 



On account of insect enemies, black locust is an absolute failure in 

 the territory covered by this investigation. Not one successful plan- 

 tation was noted, altho the species has been planted to some extent in 

 most of the region, especially in the southern counties. On account 

 of the ease with which it may be propagated, its rapid growth, and its 

 great durability in the ground, it is one of the most valuable of trees 

 for forest planting wherever it will succeed, but at present it can not 

 be recommended in eastern Nebraska. In parts of western Nebraska 



[Cir. 45] 



