1886.] FOREST WORK FOR THE MONTH, 707 



VI. A Medal. — YoY an approved Essay on the Peeling and 

 Harvesting of different kinds of British Bark nsed in Tanning. 



\'1I. A Medal. — For an approved Essay on the best method of 

 keeping Foresters' Tools in order. 



VIII. A Medal. — For the best and approved ]\Iodel in liustic 

 Work, or in Ornamental Woodwork, of any subject designed and 

 executed by the competitor. Model not to exceed six feet in 

 length. 



IX. A Medal. — For an approved Essay or Keport on any other 

 subject connected with Arboriculture. 



f^oREST Work for the Month. 



ENGLAND. 



MAP.CH often approaches us in a boisterous manner, and not 

 unfrequently maintains its stormy character throughout. 

 Should the air currents approach us from the north and east, they 

 will be keen, dry, and strongly evaporative ; but if from the 

 opposite quarter, we may expect mildness, with probably an overplus 

 of moisture. 



Orchard. — All fruit-tree planting should be finished by the 

 beginning of this month, and pruning should be confined to small 

 branches and shoots. Where grafting is a necessity, begin with 

 plums, and then follow with cherries, pears, and apples. 



Fences. — Hedge planting should be finished early. From the 

 mildness of the winter, at least in the south of England, we may 

 expect an early appearance of vitality in vegetation, upon the 

 apj)roach of which thorn planting should cease for a season. Newly- 

 planted thorn or other hedges should be protected from stock for a 

 few years, by some sort of fence, until the plants become sufficiently 

 strong to be a fence themselves. A very economical fence may be 

 constructed with wire strained upon wooden posts, on one or both 

 sides of the hedge, as necessity demands. If the top wire is barbed, 

 the fence will be most effective, and the under wires may be of a 

 light gauge, with one strong wire at the height at M'hich sheep 

 would rub themselves. Finish planting and laying old hedges, and 

 dig under and clean young hedges. 



Planting in the forest should be completed by the beginning of 

 this month. If it be continued beyond the middle, and dry weather 

 should set in, the probability is that the operations will prove 

 partially abortive. 



