In consequence of the cold, wet, nuseasonable weather which has 

 prevailed during the greater part of April and May, the bark-stripping 

 operations throughout the country have been thrown back at least 

 fourteen days later than the average. It is a consolation, however, to 

 remember that the bark is better on the trees than lying rotting perhaps 

 on the stands ; and it is quite certain that with a genial warmth there 

 will be a very rapid flow of the sap, necessitating the utmost dispatch 

 on the part of the forester to secure the bark before it clings to the tree. 

 From a variety of causes bark is likely to be a dear commodity this 

 season, and foresters should improve their opportunity by asking 

 good prices. We hope to see the subject of pruning fully discussed in 

 these columns, as we know there is a great diversity of opinion upon 

 the subject, both as to the time and manner in which this important 

 work should be done. Hardwood pruning should now be proceeded 

 with, however, and where it is necessary to take off dead or other 

 branches close to the bole of the tree, the cut should be made exactly 

 where the bark of the tree ends and that of the branch begins. By a 

 little attention this point can soon be found out. If the cut is made 

 too near the trunk the most unsightly wounds are produced, which take 

 double the time to heal over, and often result in permanent injury to 

 the tree. 



The heavy fall of snow in November last year caused great damage 

 to forests in various parts of the country, oak plantations in particular 

 being very much broken down ; and the foregoing simple rule should be 

 observed in the removal of twisted or broken branches where not 

 already cleared away. The tarring or varnishing of wood or iron 

 fences should be proceeded with this month, and if possible should be 

 done in warm sunshine, as the iron or wood being slightly heated, it 

 absorbs the tar more readily, and consequently is better fitted to ward 

 off the attacks of rust or decay. The workmen are also able to per- 

 form the work more expeditiously, for when tar is once heated on the 

 fire it retains the heat much longer in warm weather, thus enabling 

 the men to go on almost continously with their work, instead of having 

 frequently to wait for the tar to get heated, as is the case in cold 

 weather. All grass, nettles, and other weeds should be carefully 

 cleared from under the fences, so as not to interfere with the tarring of 



