1885.] FRENCH PLANTING OF TIMBER ON POOR SOILS. 251 



for the season. Some clumps of Finns Si/lvestris, whose height 

 reminded one of its stately magnificence in Norway and Sweden, 

 standing in 400 acres of moorland of the 700 acres or so of the 

 estate, determined the new proprietor in 1867 to devote the whole 

 area to sylviculture ; and he has since systematically pursued sucli 

 a policy with profit, besides adding a thousandfold to the amenity of 

 his summer residence. 



Wood's reaping machine, driven by two horses, effectually cleared 

 the ground of heath and furze. The area was next traversed by a 

 horse-rake to sweep up the detritus, whicli made excellent fodder. 

 Under this heath was a subsoil, mostly of very fine sand with little 

 iron : this was turned up by a heavy subsoil plough ; the furrows 

 were perfectly and regularly made ; Mdiilst the great balls of earth 

 which bound together the roots of the moor plants now cut down, 

 were disintegrated so as to loosen them. 



Pines were mostly sown. As much as 10 kilog. per hectare 

 were used of seeds of Firms Sylvestris, which was diversified with 

 1 2 kilog. per hqctare of a mixture of F. Si/lvestris and F. maritimus. 

 The ground so sown was harrowed to ensure regular germination, 

 which was very apparent in the second year. But birches, useful 

 for charcoal in the seventh or eightli year, after sowing, were also 

 extensively sown, as were alders. 



Adding beauty to the landscape was a prominent object, as well 

 as profitable, in carrying out the estate improvements. And here the 

 success is very marked. Numerous avenues of different species of 

 noble trees tempt alike the pedestrian and horseman ; while 

 diversified sheets of water with curious islets add variety to the 

 scene. In such moist spots great beds of osiers grow^, profitable 

 both for the periodic crops won from them, and for the shelter they 

 afford to numerous birds whose songs break the sylvan stillness. In 

 the flowering season, rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias, and other rare 

 exotic shrubs add unique beauty to their joyous surroundings. 

 Besides, the climate is better; the neighbouring barley or buck- 

 wheat is no longer browned in a night ; and regular show^ers of rain 

 can now be depended on. Country life is enjoyed, without carking 

 cares about weather and crops. 



The returns are ample on the capital expended. Altogether 

 M. Eenard has spent about £20,000 on the property; he has been 

 offered £25,000, and refused it. 



