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land, or that which is unfit for agricultural purposes, and 

 containing at least 2,700 trees to the acre, can compete for 

 these prizes. 



Second. For the best plantation of American white ash, of 

 not less than five acres in extent, |600 ; for the next best, 

 $400. Plantations originally of less than 5,000 trees to the 

 acre, cannot compete for these prizes. 



The following directions for tree-planting are condensed 

 from the recommendations given by the trustees of the prize 

 fund. For planting larch and pine, shallow furrows four feet 

 apart should be run one way across the field. Then by plant- 

 ing in the furrows four feet apart each way, 2,720 plants will be 

 required to the acre. On hilly, rocky land which cannot be 

 plowed, it will be only necessary to open with a spade, holes 

 large enough to admit the roots of the plants. The larch 

 must he planted as early in the seasoji as the ground can he 

 worked. No other tree begins to grow so early, and too late 

 planting is a common cause of failure. The Scotch and Cor- 

 sican pines can be planted up to the first of May. The roots 

 should be exposed to the wind and sun as little as possible. 

 Carelessness in this particular is often fatal to the young 

 plants. The trees should be carried to the field in bundles, 

 covered with wet mats, and not be removed till they are re- 

 quired for planting. The roots should be carefully spread 

 out in the holes or furrows prepared for them, and the soil 

 worked among them with the hand, and finally pressed down 

 with the foot. A cloudy or rainy day is especially favorable 

 for this work. All young plantations must he protectedj from 

 browsing animals, the greatest enemies, next to man, to young 

 trees and the spread of forest growth. 



If the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad reclaim 

 the strip of land bordering their line through the " sand-blow," 

 the example would be a benefaction to the State as a demon- 

 stration of what may be accomplished under the most un- 

 favorable circumstances. If that desert can be reclaimed, 

 surely all other barrens in Connecticut may be fertilized by 

 forests. This enterprise will require time, faith, patience, 

 and money. For the first four years the young trees may seem 



