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Outdoor Problems of the Householder: Department

Such a windbreak, recommended by the Department of Agriculture for OUTDOOR PROBLEMS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER 255 the northern half of the United States, consists of thirteen rows of trees parallel to one another and 6 feet 10 inches apart. The first two rows on the north and west edges of the belt are Russian wild olive; the third and fourth, arborvitæ; fifth and sixth, box elder; seventh and eighth, white elm; ninth and tenth, white willow; and the remaining three rows, common cottonwood. Such a windbreak when the trees are matured will appear like the side and top of a building having a sloping roof.

For the southern part of the United States, to afford protection from south and west winds, the following is advised: The first two rows on the south and west edges of the belt to be Russian mulberry or Osage orange; the third and fourth, Chinese arborvitæ; the fifth and sixth, black locust; seventh and eighth, green ash; ninth and tenth, white elm; the remaining three rows, honey locust or common cottonwood.

For portions of the Pacific slope where damaging winds may come from either southwest or northeast, the whole tract should be surrounded by a windbreak having the tallest and most flexible trees in the middle and those on either side sloping downward. The Department recom-_ mends a windbreak 2½ rods wide, consisting of seven rows of trees; the three middle rows to be eucalyptus of the species most suitable to the site; the next row on each side, Monterey pine; the two outside rows on both edges, Monterey cypress. Or any number of rows of these varieties of trees may be planted in the same relative proportions.

Such windbreaks not only protect the land for a distance approximately ten times their height. They also provide timber for the repair of buildings and many similar purposes.

An objection to windbreaks is that trees adjacent to lawns and gardens may injure them by their shade and may also rob the soil of plant food and moisture. Such loss is more than offset in localities where windbreaks are most needed-by the conservation of moisture which would otherwise be removed by prevailing winds, and by the favorable modification both of summer's heat and winter's cold. Leave an opening in the windbreak, in Northern latitudes, from 75 to 100 feet in width to the north and west of buildings and orchards. This will act as a snow trap. It will catch the drifts during winter storms and prevent them from forming about the residence and outbuildings. The space next the windbreak upon which the snow is thus accumulated makes a good location for gardens.

The soil is protected against deep freezing, yet stores up large quantities of moisture from the melting snow in spring.

Windbreaks more than pay for themselves, when needed, by economizing the feed required by domestic animals and also the fuel necessary to warm dwellings in winter. They protect fruit trees against frosts, and lawns and gardens against the effects of drouth. They may, therefore, be regarded as among the most desirable permanent improvements.

Orchards. When space admits, a small orchard of apple, pear and other desirable fruit trees, according to climate, will add greatly to the resources of any householder and enhance the value of any piece of property. The selection of varieties must depend upon the amount of space available, and climatic and other conditions. But as a rule, the greater variety of kinds of fruits obtainable from the home orchard, the better. A separate plot of ground set apart as an orchard presents some advantages over the plan of scattering fruit trees over the lawn and grounds for shade and ornament.

More care can be taken to select for a separate orchard a site having the right kind of soil, with suitable exposure and protection from prevailing winds and frosts. Fruit trees are also easier to cultivate when growing together in an orchard and, especially, to protect against the attacks of insects by spraying. But if space does not admit of a separate orchard, fruit trees, if properly located, pruned and cared for, make very desirable shade trees. Indeed, they are regarded by many as among the most decorative objects which can be used to beautify the lawn and grounds.

Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.- Choose, preferably, for shade and ornamental purposes, the kinds of trees and shrubs which may be observed growing wild and the species which seem to flourish best in the locality. Many persons neglect the beautification of their grounds by tree planting either from motives of false economy or from lack of necessary information. The cost of planting a number of trees required by the ordinary home grounds is very small. The process is simple. And if ordinary care is taken there will be little danger that the trees may not thrive. It is quite surprising how quickly a few seedlings will spring up and how much they will add both to the beauty and comfort of the home surroundings.

The cost, if any, of nursery stock will be the principal item of expense.

Even this expense can be saved, in many localities, by transplanting growing seedlings from neighboring forests. These can be had in most cases for the asking and at very slight cost for removal. Or grow the young trees themselves from seed in a little nursery in a corner of the kitchen garden. This is one of the most interesting experiments which can be made by any family and has great educative value for children.

The Home Nursery. - The seeds of most trees can be purchased from seedsmen the same as garden seed.