Forest Work for the Mouth. 495 



month, so as not to interfere with agricultural operations. Scollops 

 (provincial for small rods) should be cut judiciously to perpetuate the 

 crop without injuring the undercover. Hardwood plantations in- 

 tended to be converted into larch and fir should be felled, and the 

 ground cleared for immediate planting. Planting operations ought to 

 be advanced as much as possible during the present fine weather. In 

 this country, where vegetation is early, larch and all deciduous trees 

 should be planted, if possible, before Christmas. When planting near 

 ground infested with rabbits we would strongly recommend the spray 

 of ash or holly to be left on the ground, among or near the plants. 

 As the rabbits are very fond of ash bark they will scarcely touch a 

 tree as long as there remains any of it to nibble at. There being a 

 great many line fences with us requiring plashing, now is the time to 

 look over them and have all gaps refilled. Plashing should never be 

 attempted until the bark adheres firmly to the wood. Look over all 

 the fences and repair where required. 



There is no reason why foresters should not cultivate their own 

 plants more extensively. Every estate having any pretension to 

 forest work should possess a well-stocked home nursery. During this 

 month gather haws, ash and sycamore keys, acorns, and chestnuts. 

 Place the haws in a rot heap, to lie a year ; the ash and sycamore may 

 also be mixed with loam to rot until February next, when they and 

 acorns, beech, and chestnuts, may then be sown. Continue planting in 

 the nursery, cutting off laurel, poplar, willow, privet, and other sorts 

 cultivated in this manner. Eemove seedlings into rows, being careful 

 to give them room enough to admit of weeding and hoeing. Plough, 

 dig, and thoroughly clean the ground before planting. 



On the farm much can now be done at trenching, draining, and 

 fencing. 



BallinacoiLrte, Ti;p]perary. D. Sym Scott. 



WALES. 



The present month will be a busy one with most foresters, as plant- 

 ing, fencing, and, where possible, the thinning of plantations will have 

 to be proceeded with. We consider this one of the best months of 

 the year for forest tree planting, which ought to be pushed forward 

 during favourable weather with great energy. When the weather is 

 unsuitable for planting, the workmen may be. employed fencing, drain- 

 ing, clearing, and preparing ground for the reception of the young 

 trees. The ground should be well fenced before planting operations 

 are commenced, and where ground game abounds wire netting will be 

 necessary as protection. The kind we have in use is 3 feet wide, 1^ 



