854 J^^i^ jfournal of Forestry. 



from the bottom of the hedges, as these often afford shelter to mice, 

 whose ravages in the surrounding fiekis and gardens just now are too 

 well known to need any comment. 



The cutting in of ivy on walls, &c., should now he proceeded with. 

 Unless this work has been neglected, it should he done with a pocket 

 knife. Ivy as a rule should be cut every year; by that means it is kept 

 close to the wall, and always presents a uniform surface of green. 



The j)runing of all evergreens should be completed this month ; and 

 as was mentioned last month, every precaution ought to be taken to 

 prevent cattle or other animals getting access to the cuttings taken off 

 the shrubs. Let them be collected and burnt as the pruning proceeds, 

 so as to avoid danger and accidents. 



See that all newly planted large ornamental trees and shrubs are 

 securely staked to prevent them being blown about by the winds. 

 Also see that all such trees and shrubs have a plentiful supply of 

 water, when necessary, until they are fairly established in the soil. 



The planting of all Scots fir, spruce, and other pines, should be com- 

 l^leted without delay. 



Nothing is gained, but much risk run, if the operation is delayed 

 till so late in the spring. Hot dry weather setting in causes the 

 soil to crack and open around late planted forest trees, especially 

 if notched in, and the consequence is many trees perish from the 

 drought, that might have been saved had they been planted in time 

 to allow the soil to settle closely about their roots. 



Look over the fields that are to be pastured, and make all the fences 

 secure, for if sheep or cattle once find their way through a fence, there 

 is often great difficulty keeping them in afterwards. All hurdles used 

 for temporary fencing during winter, for sheep eating down turnips, 

 &c., should be carted home and stored away in a dry shed for another 

 year. Those fields which are to be turned into meadow hay this 

 summer should not only be fenced to keep out stock, but where 

 game is plentiful a wire net should be also run round the fields, as 

 these animals not only eat large quantities of the grass, but also 

 pad down with their feet large tracts in the field, which make it 

 exceedingly difficult to cut. 



Keep a sharp look-out on the oak trees towards the end of the 

 month, and on the first indication of the bark rising freely, no time 

 should be lost in beginning the peeling operations. In view of this 

 coming on, it will be necessary also to look out for a squad of peelers^ 

 and make other necessary arrangements so that the work may go on 

 smoothly ^nd expeditiously. 



In the nursery complete the grafting of ornamental trees. Look 

 over those previously grafted, and repair tlie clay where it has 

 cracked with the sun. 



Finish all transplanting of seedling trees and other nursery stock. 



