



370 SYLVA AMERICANA. 



ticularly of those lands emphatically termed wastes. The evil 

 is perpetuated by statements confounding the expenses of plant- 

 ing different descriptions of land, such as that of a superior soil 

 immediately connected perhaps with a mansion, and that of a 

 distant hill or waste heath. In the former case the return of 

 produce is early, great, and fully ample for every expense judi- 

 ciously incurred in the plantation ; while, at the same time, some- 

 thing must be allowed for obtaining the more immediate orna- 

 mental effect of wood. In the latter case the returns of profit 

 are more distant, though equally certain, and the outlay of capi- 

 tal or expense of formation proportionally less. To estimate or 

 make them equal to those of the first description of land, would be 

 absurd, because unnecessary, and, in fact, impracticable, as in the 

 case of rocky sites or thin heath soils, where the more expensive 

 processes of the preparations of soils cannot be carried into 

 effect. 



Fencing is one of the most expensive but essential concomi- 

 tants of planting ; for unless young trees are completely protect- 

 ed by proper fences, extensive failure will be the certain conse- 

 quence. 



Draining is essential wherever stagnant moisture prevails in 

 the soil. Boggy lands and tenaceous clays are chiefly the soils 

 which require it, for trees will thrive in a degree of moisture that 

 would be highly hurtful to the nutritive grasses, and to corn 

 crops. Under drains are of little service for forest trees, as their 

 roots soon render these ineffective. In general, therefore, open 

 cuts should be used. Where the excess of dampness is caused 

 by springs, as in most bogs and. morasses, it is essential to ascer- 

 tain the source of the principal springs which feed the secondary 

 ones, and their numerous outlets over the surface. Sub-aquatic 

 plants, as the alder, rushes, he, often point out the spots where 

 the search should be made, although these plants are frequently 

 supported by stagnant surface water. Boring with the auger is 



11 CO 



the best mode of ascertaining the source of the spring, or at 

 least that level of its course in the strata which conducts the water 

 to the boggy land, and where it can be effectually cut off from 



