G2 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [Ma 



FOnESTEES' AND GARDENEES' EENEVOLENT 

 INSTITUTION. 



SIE, — I observe with i^leasure the reference to the above in your 

 hist issue. I think it is a step in the right direction, and I 

 trust it will shortly be put into a practical form, and it will certainly 

 provide a long-felt want. 



Would it be too much to suggest that the Secretary of the 

 Scottish Arboricultural Society might issue circulars to all the 

 members asking their opinion on the matter ? Foeestek. 



OAK PLANTING. 



SIE, — I should be much obliged to you or any of your readers 

 who would be kind enough to answer the following questions 

 respecting the growing of oak from acorns : — 



1. What is the best method of sowing acorns in the nursery ? 



2. How long should the plants remain in the seed-bed ? 



3. Should the tap-root be cut ? and if so, how much should be 

 taken off at the time the plants are taken up from the seed-bed for 

 transplanting ? 



4. How" long should plants stand in the nursery lines? and what 

 height is best to plant out into w^oods in a windy country ? 



5. Should the plants be pruned at all whilst in the lines ? and 

 if so, when? 



6. If not pruned then, should they be pruned when planted 

 out ? 



7. Would it be a good plan or not to cut the tap-roots of the 

 plants whilst growing in the lines with a sharp spade ? Will it 

 encourage small roots in place of a very large tap-root, M'hich is cut 

 off usually when the plants are put out into the woods ? 



8. Is the pruning of small scrubby plants in the nursery 

 necessary ? and is it a fact that in their early stages young oaks 

 often look unpromising, but become generally good plants by throw- 

 ing out a good leader when once established ? 



9. Will ash plants dug up from under ash trees in a wood, 

 chiefly springing up as suckers, become good trees if taken up and 

 transplanted straight into the woods ? or would they be better for 

 one or two years in the nursery ? 



W. S. 0. 



April IS, 18S5. 



