34 THE RABBIT 



often formed of small trees less than a foot high, and 

 even if there were both time and means to smear the 

 stems of ever)^ one of these little trees with one or 

 other of the compounds which some people recom- 

 mend, the rabbits would still take off the tops and 

 leave the smeared stumps. The idea is absurd, from 

 the standpoint of an extensive planter ; for 20,000 

 trees, of the size referred to, do not go far in planting 

 even a small field. 



In young plantations where rabbits and hares 

 abound there is nothing so effectual as wire-netting 

 until the trees are strong enough and tall enough to 

 be out of the way of their attacks. 



For permanent protection the best fence is an 

 iron-bar fence, wired with a one-inch mesh to the top, 

 or, say, to a height of 4 ft., with 6 in. of wire under- 

 ground ; 3 ft. 6 in. might do as well, but generally it 

 will be found best to wire to the top of an ordinary 

 iron-bar fence, so that all danger from snow, leaves, 

 and stock getting through may be effectually avoided. 

 For larch plantations, and for temporary work, 3 ft. 

 6 in. wire may be used. As a rule, it is advisable to 

 use simple iron supports for the wiring of young 

 plantations, rather than stakes cut out of underwood 

 for supporting the netting, as these rot very soon. 

 Larch poles are an exception, however, and good 



