IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /> // ^.4.*. ^art each way, has been planted on the farm at Brandon along the west boundary for about ts mile, and on the Indiait Head farm a belt of similar width along both the we.tt and north boundaries for about one and three-cpiarter miles. Early in 1890 it was announced in several of the Northwest newspapers that packages 144 WM. SAUNDERS ON liXPERIMKNTS IN TRBEPLANTING, ETC. of young seedling ft rest trees containing 100 in each package would he sent from the central experimental farm at Ottawa as long us the supply lasted to any fanner or settler applying for them. Material had heen secured sufficient for 1,000 packages, which it was supposed would he ample to meet the demand, hut within u month after the unnouncement was made 2,600 applications had been received. As it was not possible then to meet the wishes of all, 1,000 packages were sent out to those who had applied earliest, and the names of the others were held over until the following year, when a more liberal provision was made and all were supplied, including applications subsequently received, altogether about 2,000. Ninety- five larger bundles were also sent by express to the Canadian rucitic Railway test gardens at different points along the line, to the agents on the Indian reserves, the Mounted Police stations, and other public institutions. A similar distribution of about 1,000 packages ejich was also made in 1892 and 1893. As the material for distribution has greatly increased on the branch farms, it has been thouj^'ht best to encourage the settlers to apply there instead of sending to Ottawa. No announcement has been made during the past season of any dis- tribution at Ottawa, but it has been found necessary to put up about 600 mail packages in order to meet the pressing requests received. During the past four years a large quantity of tree seeds have also been distributed free by mail, mainly of such native varieties as could be obtained in the Northwest. Within this period more than five tons of such seeds have been collected and sent out in small bags, each containing from 3,000 to 5,000 seeds. These seeds have been accompanied by instruc- tions for sowing and subsequent care. In 1891 tree seeds were thus sent to about 5,000 settlers. A large proportion of those who have received them have been successful in grow- ing them, and from the seedling-beds the young trees have been planted in groves around the houses and buildings on a large number of farms. Many of thepe in four or five years will bear seed and become additional centres of distribution, which in a few years more will produce marked and gratifying results. The planting of hardy young trees closely for shelter-hedges has been found most advantageous and beneficial, forming excellent protection tor the growing of small fruits, vegetables and other tender or succulent crops. These hedges have been made chiefly of Russian poplars, box-elder, elm, ash and willow, planted in double rows at different dis- tances, 1 ft. by 2, 2 by 2, 2 by 3, 3 by 3, and 4 l)y 4 ft. The Russian poplars have thus far made the most rapid and desirable growth. A Russian variety of Artemisia, Artemisia Ahrotantim var. Tobolskianum, has also been found useful for this purpose on account of its ready and rapid growth from cuttings. The Caragana nrborescens, or Siberian pea-tree, which can be readily grown from seed, also makes a very good hedge. In addition to the shelter which these hedges afford, they are beneficial in collecting and retaining the snow in winter, and thus producing favourable conditions of moisture in the spring. The tests which have been made on the western experimental farms have shown that there are now about 100 varieties of trees and shrubs which are hardy enough to endure the climate there and thrive well, and further tests are adding to this number from year to year. The example shown, the information given, and the facilities afforded for obtaining and disseminating cuttings and seeds from the large groves planted, will undoubtedly be the means of bringing about a rapid extension of this desirable work.