1884.] FOREST WORK FOR THE MONTH. loZ 



■woods, and arable lands should be grabbed up, and timber and roots 

 removed during frosty weather. The thinning of hardwoods may 

 also be proceeded with ; but where the stools are specially wished 

 to be reproductive, it would, in my opinion, be better to defer the 

 work till later in the season. In young plantations the niargm.s 

 should be attended to early. Some, for shelter, prefer leaving the 

 margins crowded. I think, however, it is better to thin these parts 

 early, and always so as to allow the trees to retain their In-anches 

 well down, thus showing a well-furnished exterior, as well as 

 affording the best possible shelter from the storm. In thinning, 

 particularly the older sections of the forests, care should be taken to 

 fell tlie trees clear of those to remain. Skilled labour should be 

 here employed ; one at least of each set of fellers should be thoroughly 

 conversant with the work. JNIuch damage often results from careless 

 or xmskilled felling, not onlj' in injury to the crowns, but also to the 

 root-hold of the trees left. 



Fences will require frequent attention, specially those intended 

 to be sheep and rabbit proof. Overgrown hedges may be cut down 

 or sawn over near the ground, or they may be cut back and ribbed 

 in ; dig or otherwise clear the line of fence. Dress hedges, and 

 make up vacancies ; prepare the parts well, by clearing out the old 

 and making up with fresh soil. Use strong and well-rooted plants ; 

 holly in parts much shaded, and beech where the shade is less and 

 on dry and liglit soils. 



Cart timber to the saw-mill, and as far as possible during the 

 season prepare a supply for estate purposes. The timber should be 

 " racked " or stacked up openly as it is taken from the saw. Cut 

 up billet-wood, and prepare faggots for home use. 



Continue to turn up roughly and clean vacant ground in tlie 

 nursery ; cart or wheel manure iu to the breaks during frosty weather ; 

 plant cuttings of deciduous trees, etc. as weather permits. 



Finish coating roads with metal, and dig out stones and gravel 

 for a further supply of road material ; also prepare gravel for walks, 

 and apply it as convenient or required. 



Eemove fallen leaves from roads, walks, and drains, or wherever 

 their presence is displeasing or likely to be hurtful ; collect all con- 

 venient, with road cleanings, etc. for compost ; turn and mix up 

 frequently, and add a little lime. 



Collect berries of holly, thorn, etc., and also seeds of larch and 

 Scots fir, and store as has been frequently recommended. 



Some of the works here referred to can be executed in stormy 

 weather, when others will have to be suspended. Matters should 

 therefore, as far as possible, be so arranged as to keep at least the 

 regular hands steadily employed. D- S. 



