THE CARE OF FOREST PLANTATIONS. 9 



t ions, and properly managing the plantations, useful forest trees may 

 be grown in every eotfnty of the region. In the three western belts, 

 however, it will be accessary for landowners to give careful consid- 

 eration to the choice of the ground for forest planting, since the 

 amount of land suited to tree growth is relatively small. 



THE CARE OF FOREST PLANTATIONS ON THE PRAIRIES AND 



PLAINS. 



Successful forest planting on the plains, where the rainfall is Light 

 and irregular and the evaporation great, depends largely upon the 

 proper tillage of the soil. The region possesses a dee}), rich, easily 

 worked soil, which the farmers are learning how to utilize to the best 

 advantage. The early tree planters often set their trees carelessly, 

 and left them to struggle with the native vegetation and dry weather. 

 Planters are now beginning to realize that trees as well as agricultural 

 crops respond to good cultivation. 



The objects of cultivation are two : First, to prevent the growth of 

 weeds and grass; second, to conserve the soil moisture. The natural 

 supply of moisture on the plains is sufficient for the growth of many 

 species of trees, provided it is fully utilized and not allowed to escape 

 through evaporation or to be appropriated by weeds and grass. 



TREATMENT OF THE SOIL. 



Before the trees are set, the ground should be thoroughly worked 

 and put in good condition. Virgin' sod should be broken and the land 

 farmed for two or three years. Deep plowing, followed immediately 

 by the harrow, saves moisture and makes the soil easily penetrable by 

 the roots. After the trees are set there should be frequent shallow 

 cultivation. An ideal method is to cultivate as soon as practicable 

 after every rain, in order to maintain a dust mulch over the surface. 

 The nearer this ideal is approached, the better the results will be. 

 The dust mulch is the best medium to conserve the moisture already 

 in the ground, and to keep the soil in condition to absorb the next, 

 rain. 



MULCHING. 



A mulch of hay, straw, or well-rotted manure may be used where 

 cultivation is not feasible, but it is not to be generally recommended. 

 The mulch retards the growth of weeds, checks evaporation, and pre- 

 vents baking of the soil, but if continued long it causes the roots to 

 grow close to the surface, so that when the litter is removed they are 

 likely to be damaged by the exposure. The mulch has another dis- 

 advantage in that it furnishes a congenial harbor for mice and all 

 kinds of insects. A mulch of hay or straw is less objectionable 



