434 FOBEST WOBK FOE THE MONTH. [Apeil, 



of snow liaving fallen, with occasional sharp frosts. Planting of all 

 sorts of forest trees should now be completed as soon as possible, care 

 being exercised in keeping the roots protected from drying winds. 

 Look over plantations of large plants formed earlier in the season, 

 and firm up those knocked out of position by the recent storms. See 

 to the erection and repairs of fences bounding pasture lands. \VTiere 

 heavy stock are grazed the introduction of a ' barbed ' wire, secured 

 from the top, or indeed, the two upper wires, will be found to be a 

 great protection to the fence. It is now much used in this locality 

 by farmers and others, and has been found very serviceable in the 

 way indicated. I have heard of no case of injury to stock arising 

 from its use. The only danger in connection with it is in the event 

 of one animal forcing another up against the fence, and in its 

 endeavour to escape alongside the same, is apt to get somewhat 

 scratched. 



The work of the nursery should now be pushed forward. Finish the 

 lining in and transplanting of all deciduous plants and the larger 

 evergreens, and follow up with seedling Firs. Dig and prepare ground 

 for coniferous seeds, and sow about the last days of the month if the 

 ground is in a good state, or early in May as the weather permits. 

 Dig between the rows of plants, undisturbed during the season, so as 

 to destroy weeds and promote the growth of fibrous roots. Weed seed 

 beds of last year, dig the alleys, and tidy up the nursery generally. 



Complete the trimming of evergreen shrubs, hedges, and box 

 edging. 



Eepair forest roads, &c., cut up by the winter's work, and clear out 

 the side drains. 



Towards the end of the month see to all necessary preparations for 

 Oak barking, so that there may be no delay in starting whenever the 

 bark will rise freely. Early barking is preferable, and in the interests 

 of all parties concerned. This ^is a branch of forest work which for 

 many years was the source of a very considerable revenue ; but it is 

 now fast becoming unremunerative. In those localities where the 

 timber will realise a better price when felled in the dead season, 

 it might, in my opinion, be almost as well to discontinue it. 



Here we can yet work it profitably when done pretty extensively. 

 It is, however, at the loss of some of our old customers, who now 

 object to take the timber felled in the growing season. 



Darnaway, KB. D. Scott. 



