\_The Editor requests the assistance of Readers in a /!S-a<erir!g Queries, so 

 that the usefulness of this Department may he maintained. '\ 



Roots choking Drains.— I have to thank J. R. for his kind reply, at 

 page 72G, to my inquiry upon tliis subject in your January number, page 

 (559 ; to which query I beg to refer "Subscriber," to show that his sug- 

 gestions are not suitable to the case. The water must have free ingress to 

 the drain as it passes through the plantation, which it serves to drain as 

 well as the park above it. I shall carry out J. R.'s very practical plan, as 

 well as another that has been recommended to me by a friend near Derby* 

 who covers his pipes witli about 9 inches of small stones, rough gravel, or 

 such like open and hard material, and then covers the whole over with a 

 layer, about 4 inches thick, of the spent lime from gasworks, lieaten firm 

 and smooth with the back of a spade. My friend has several drains so 

 treated eight years ago, which have never been opened since, and are 

 working admirably. Previously they had been a great torment by the 

 tree roots getting into and choking them. I will try both plans, and 

 report at some future time.— Inquirer. [Please do. — Ed.] 



Privet.— If W. C. L. C, page G58, wishes to get rid of his privet once 

 for all, I would recommend the following as an efFectual as well as 

 expeditious plan. (Jet two strong chains, same as those used for dragging 

 trees, fasten one of them round the neck of each privet bush, apply a 

 horse, and drag it clean out l^y the root, and then burn it. During the 

 time the horse is away to the fire with one load the men can be fastening 

 the chain on the next bush, so as to keep the horse always moving. 

 Young thorns and all kinds of undergrowth or suckers are hauled out in 

 the same way. I have cleared twelve acres as ahove, and intend to do 

 many more on same plan. Privet, unless thinly planted in small scattered 

 clumps, is an unmitigated nuisance as cover. — R. B. 



Measuring the Circumference of a Tree-stem.— What is the proper 

 distance from the ground at which to measure the circumference of the 

 stem of a tree ? Much confusion arises when the circumference is given 

 and the height from the ground not stated. I am not aware of any par- 

 ticular height being the generally, accepted or understood point at which 

 to take the girth ; and I am sure that many others as well as myself 

 would be glad of information on the subject, if some of the initiated would 

 be so kind as to enlighten us. — Ignoramus. 



