g6 Forestry Quarterly 



marker. This is supplied with rake-like teeth and when drawn 

 across the soil loosens it and at the same time marks the rills by 

 means of rollers. 



Covering Tools {Bedeckgerdthe). One type is shown in 

 figure X, plate B, which might be called a covering-hoe ; the 

 advantage of this tool over an American hoe is that the danger 

 of covering seed to too great a depth is obviated, owing to the 

 shallowness of the blade. This is used in covering heavy seed, 

 such as acorns or nuts. 



Another form of this tool is shown in figure XII, plate B. 

 This is used in seed-rills for covering small seed requiring a light 

 covering. It consists of two cylinders, one of wood and the 

 other of barred iron. 



Dibbles. In plate C, figures I, V, IX, and X show different 

 types of dibbles. Figure V represents two forms, the smaller a 

 very long, narrow one for planting seedlings with long tap roots, 

 the larger one being of iron with leather-covered handle. This 

 is the old Butlar dibble, which in handling used to be thrown on 

 the ground with such care that it struck on the point. Its 

 weight, with the momentum given to it in throwing, caused it to 

 make a hole sufficiently large for the seedling, a .second thrust 

 being aimed to close the hole and plant the seedling. Consider- 

 able skill was required in the use of this tool in order to correctly 

 space the distances. It is now provided with a long handle and 

 cross bar, and, under the name of Warteuberg iron (fig. X), 

 widely used for planting yearling pines, or for large-seeded species, 

 such as walnuts and hickories. 



Figures I and IX represent other dibbles with handles, the lat- 

 ter a useful type in heavier soil. 



In plate A, figure V shows a tool for making holes in soils of 

 seedbeds or other prepared ground where careful spacing is 

 required. Its weight enables the user to obtain the necessary 

 depth by raising it above the surface and letting it fall in the 

 correct position. Its weight, however, is an argument against 

 its general use. 



Another form is shown in figure VIII, plate B. This ap- 

 proaches a spade in purpose, though made of wood with the 

 point covered with iron to secure durability. 



Nut—planter. A device for planting acorns or other large 

 seed is shown in figure II, plate A. This consists of a tube with 

 an opening at the bottom covered by an iron flap which can be 



