iio The JoJirnal of Forestry. 



the lower rails, and all posts or iron standards which run down into the 

 ground must have the earth scraped away, to allow them to be 

 thoroughly tarred to a depth of at least three inches below the surface level 

 of the ground. The earth should not be put back for a few days, till 

 the tar is quite dry and hard, when it should be filled in and firmly 

 trodden with the foot. That part of a post or standard just where it 

 enters the ground is the first to rot or rust from the combined action of 

 air, earth, and moisture, and this therefore is the part which should be 

 most carefully tarred, although it is far too commonly neglected. 



Clean hedges, and see that all fences are in good order to resist the 

 encroachments of cattle. Clear out open drains, and cut down the 

 weeds on their edges before they run to seed. 



If the weather is dry, all seed beds in the nursery should be care- 

 fully attended to with water, as nothing prevents a healthy growth of 

 the youug plant so much as a parched state of the soil when the 

 plumule is pushing through the surface. Never allow the seed beds 

 to be overrun with weeds. Pull them out as soon as they can be 

 handled. When once weeds are allowed to shed their seeds, it takes 

 years to get the ground clear of them again. 



See that recently planted trees and shrubs are not suffering from 

 want of water ; and give a thorough drenching when it is necessary to 

 apply it, and also see that all are securely staked against being swayed 

 about by the wind. 



Look over plantations and mark the timber trees to be felled during 

 the next autumn and winter ; as the trees can be better selected at 

 this season when in- full leaf, and those marked which show signs of 

 maturity or failing health, and where they are too thick and over- 

 crowded. In growing plantations always leave, the best trees to grow 

 on into laro;e and fine timber. 



