262 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



rates. It Avill be readily understood that the ratio of transport cliarges 

 permissible on timber is in direct proportion to the quality of the 

 material. The advantag-e of proximity to market enjoyed by most 

 of the high veld area is, however, somewhat oounterbalanced by the 

 severity of climatic conditions. 



Soil. 



A careful examination of soil conditions is very important in 

 selecting- a site. Superficially there appears to be little or no varia- 

 tion of the soil over large stretches of the gently undulating ])]ains. 

 But if test pits are sunk, considerable variation in depth will often be 

 found, due to presence of banks of " ou' klip " and other solid rocks or 

 impei'meable clays and pan formation, more or less near the surface. 

 Such conditions may have far reaching effects on the growth of the 

 trees, and may lead to serious loss if not guarded against from the 

 start. Trees often flourish for a number of favourable years even on 

 shallow soil and then go off suddenly, hence the error of planting 

 in such ground may not be discovered for some years. 



Surface Vegetation. 



The nature of the surface vegetation is an important factor to 

 consider. Virgin veld is by far tlie best, as very little cultivation 

 after planting is then necessary. Weedy old lands, on the other 

 hand, give much trouble in this respect, and the best plan is to clean 

 them tli.oroughly before planting. Such weeds exhaust the surface 

 moisture necessary for young trees that have not yet got their roots 

 into the sub-soil, and the cost of cleaning after planting is far greater 

 than before. Besides, many blanks will occur, always expensive to 

 refill, whieli, if neg'lected, will result in understocking; also in risk 

 from fire and bad growth. Nothing' will be lost in growth by waiting 

 a year or two while the soil is being cleaned before planting. Teif 

 is a useful crop for this purpose, and brings in a good return. Quick 

 grass is particularly deadly, especially to drought tender species, 

 such as Euc. viminalis, and should be got rid of at all cost before 

 planting, otherwise land infested with it should he left alone if the 

 expense of cleaning is considered too great. During the drought in 

 1919 large and small patclies of this species, even up to ten years 

 of age, and on deep soil, died on the high veld due to presence of 

 quick grass in open stands, while the same species on much Kballower 

 soil, but in " normal " stands and free from quick grass, remained 

 unaffected. 



Climate . 



Droughts, frosts, and cold winds are the principal climatic 

 influences adversely affecting tree growth on the high veld. The 

 erratic variations in these influences and the impossibility of fore- 

 seeing when extremes aie likely to occur, have to be taken into 

 account when embarking on a large scheme of planting. Wliat may 

 seem clearly indicated some years may appear equally clearly be 

 contradicted in oilier seasons. Given a fair season or two to start 

 with, a right selection of species and situation, and aft'orestation may 

 seem a simple enough proposition for a time. But only a close study 



