FOREST PLANTING IN EASTERN NEBRASKA. 



PXTRPOSE OF THE STUDY. 



The study of forest plantations in eastern Nebraska upon which 

 this report is based was made to ascertain the tree species best suited 

 for planting in the region. To this end the species planted in the past 

 were studied with reference to their silvical requirements, notes were 

 made on the effect of different methods of planting, and typical plan- 

 tations were measured to find the amount and value of the product. 



THE REGION. 



The region covered by this report includes that part of Nebraska 

 east of the ninety-ninth meridian. 



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TOPOGRAPHY, DRAINAGE, SOIL. 



Eastern Nebraska is a broad plateau sloping gently from the west 

 toward the Missouri River. The surface is diversified by many val- 

 leys and by large areas of bottomland. Away from the streams the 

 topography is often marked by rolling hills and steep slopes. 



The entire region is drained by numerous small streams flowing into 

 the Niobrara, Elkhorn, Platte, and Nemaha rivers, which, in turn, are 

 tributary to the Missouri. 



The soil is well adapted to tree growth. For the most part it is a 

 loess — that is, a fine sandy loam — mixt with a large quantity of silt 

 and more or less calcareous matter. This absorbs water readily and 

 retains it for long periods, especially where surface cultivation is 

 given. 



Toward the sand hills the soil supports practically^ no natural forest 

 growth, and the little tree planting done is confined chiefly to the 

 valleys. Recent experiments, however, have demonstrated that some 

 species of pine can be planted successfully on the sand hills proper. 



CLIMATE. 



^ The region is characterized by rather severe winters and warm sum- 

 mers, sudden and extreme changes of temperature, wide seasonal and 

 yearly deviation in precipitation, a clear, pure, moderately dry atmos- 

 phere, and a high percentage of sunshine. 



[Cir. 45] 



(5) 



