402 FOREST WORK FOR THE MONTH. [Oct: 



SCOTLAND. 



IN this pre-eminently the best month of the year for tree-planting 

 in the forest, as well as probably in any other locality, it is by 

 no means rare thus to gain a year's growth by adopting it as the time 

 for autumn planting. Let me give a single case in point. In 1859, 

 the planting of an extensive enclosure on the Seafield estate in 

 Strathspey, owing to the severity of the winter, had to be prosecuted 

 mainly in autumn and spring. The ground in question slopes to 

 the south, and extends from the bottom to the top of a hill for 

 about half a mile, along which the planting was done up and down 

 with a straight side as in regular planting, although not designed 

 to be in lines. The comparatively straight lines of the autumn 

 planting were so conspicuous at a great distance as to occasion 

 remarks by even casual observers as to their superiority over their 

 spring planted neighbours. As much planting as can be effected in 

 autumn, though all planting cannot be then overtaken, should be 

 done. 



Prune hedges, remembering the claims of those bulking most 

 prominently in the landscape. What is more attractive than a well- 

 kept hedge ? 



In severe gales of wind which sometimes occur throughout the 

 month, deciduous trees not yet defoliated usually sustain much 

 injury. Though much damage is thus inevitable, trees which are 

 moderately large may be lightened at their tops, and drawn up 

 again, mechanically or otherwise, to their former erect position. 

 After, if not during such gales, carriage drives, as well as public or 

 private roads, should be cleared of incumbrances which may have 

 accumulated on them. 



Seeds of such species as are ripe should be gathered, and stored 

 with great care lest they heat, which they have a tendency to do. 

 Drains and ditches should also be carefully kept clear from constantly 

 falling leaves ; also raking them off the roads and drives. 



Lifting plants in the nursery will this month be the chief 

 occupation there. 



Keep in proper state the fences and gates, seeing that the latter 

 are in proper swinging condition. 



The ravages of ground game must be guarded against as far as 

 possible, and for this purpose E. Davidson's composition, or other 

 appliance, should be freely used. Fine netting too can be used to 

 great advantage, especially on single trees, by simply tying it full- 

 tight round the stem close to the ground, and as high up as required. 

 This should be done before the winter fuUy sets in, as a night's frost 



