152 FOREST WORK FOR THE MONTH. [Dec. 



the surface. It is most unsatisfactory in its results, either for easy 

 traffic, or for stability and durability of surface. 



Woods axd Plantations. — The fine weather of November has 

 facilitated planting operations. Continue these as the weather will 

 admit : but do not attempt planting in frosty weather. Select the 

 driest portions of the ground for the earliest planting, and leave the 

 dampest ground until the last ; as here the plants are apt to be 

 thrown up by frosts, and a second tramping-in would therefore 

 become necessary to those plants so loosened up. 



Evergreen shrubs are best left alone during this month, as none 

 but the hardiest of these can be moved about with impunity at this 

 season. 



Continue to thin plantations, cut down underwood, and fell timber 

 for sale, or for use on the estate. It is most inexpedient to place large 

 quantities of timber upon the market after this month ; especially if 

 it is scattered amongst fields, and along hedgerows. The advent of 

 spring would call for a suspension of removal operations, before the 

 work could be conveniently accomplished. 



Pleasure -Grounds and Nursery. — Tree leaves that are now 

 blown about over the grounds surrounding a mansion should not 

 be allowed to accumulate, to add to the general discomfort of the 

 season ; but should be collected and removed to the depots as soon 

 as possible. 



Collect cones of the larch, Scotch fir, etc., and also berries of the 

 hawthorn, mountain ash, holly, and keys of the ash. Mix these 

 berries and keys with sandy soil, and pit them where they can be 

 occasionally turned over every two or three months. Look over 

 see4s already stored. Plant cuttings of deciduous trees, and plant 

 out layers of planes, limes, etc. Dig over roughly, or ridge up vacant 

 nursery ground, that it may become pulverized from the action of 

 the weather. A. Patersox. 



HUXSTKETE, PeNSFORD, BniSTOL. 



SCOTLAjSfB. 



THE state of the weather will to some extent regulate the work 

 of the month. So long as it is favourable, forest planting may 

 be pushed forward. AVhen, liowever, it assumes a wintry aspect, it 

 should be discontinued till early spring. Meantime operate upon 

 all the drier portions of the ground, and continue necessary prepara- 

 tions for spring planting. Look over large autumn-planted trans- 

 plants, and stalvc up or firm where necessary. 



One of the chief occupations of the month will be tlie felling of 

 timber. All trees to be removed from the policies, other than the 



