\ 
CHAP. CV. CORYLA‘CEA. QUE/RCUS. 1803 
main stem, one year’s growth of side branches, till the plants are arrived at a 
stem of 40 ft., 50 ft., or 60 ft. ; and they. may then be permitted to run to head 
without further pruning.” The thinnings, till the plants attain the height of. 
5 ft. or 6 ft., may be used for transplanting; after that they may be sold for 
walkingsticks, hoops, or crate-ware; at the next thinning, they may be cut 
down in spring, and barked, and sold as poles and for fence-wood ; and, lastly, 
they may be cut down in spring, and barked, and sold as small timber for making 
posts and rails, for gates, and for various country purposes. 
As the Ultimatum on the Subject of planting and sheltering Oaks, we give the 
following abstract of the practice adopted by the government officers in the 
national forests, and more especially in the New Forest, where, as we have 
already observed, it was introduced by Mr. Turner. This abstract was pre- 
pared by Alexander Milne, Esq., in answer to a question by Lord Hatherton, 
who intended to plant oaks extensively, as to the best mode of proceeding; 
and a copy of it was kindly presented to us by Mr. Milne : —“ When the new 
plantations in the royal forests (now exceeding 40,000 acres) were first under- 
taken, the opinions of the most extensive owners and growers of oak timber, 
and of the most experienced nurserymen in various parts of the kingdom, were 
resorted to, as to the most advisable methods of planting, and especially as to 
the expediency of mixing Scotch pines in plantations the ultimate object of 
which was oak ; and it is rather extraordinary, that the majority of the opinions 
received were against such mixture. Accordingly, in the most favourable 
soils and situations, oaks only were planted at first: but in spots where it was 
thought doubtful if oaks would grow, Scotch pines were planted with a small 
proportion of oaks intermixed ; and it was soon;found that in many of those 
spots, even under the disadvantages of inferior soil and greater exposure, such 
was the benefit derived from the warmth and shelter of the pines, that the 
oaks far outgrew their neighbours planted in more favourable soils, but 
without the same protection. After this, the use of Scotch pines became 
more general: strong belts were planted on the most exposed outsides of the 
plantations, and also across, at intervals, in lines, towards the most prevailing 
winds, and from these great benefit was found ; but in all cases where oaks 
were planted actually amongst the pines, and surrounded by them, the oaks 
were found to be much the best. The plan next pursued was to plant an 
equal quantity of oaks and pines, planting both at the same time: the con- 
sequence of which was, that the pines got on immediately, but the oaks 
remained stationary for a few years, until the pines got sufficiently advanced 
to afford them shelter; and, in the intermediate time, a portion of the oaks 
died, and some were choked by the high grass, briars, &c., with which they 
might happen to be surrounded. For several years past, the plan pursued 
has been, to plant the enclosures with Scotch pines only, as soon as they are 
fenced in and drained (if draining is required); and when the pines have got 
to the height of 5 ft. or 6 ft., which they will do in as many years, then to put 
in good strong oak plants of about 4 or 5 years’ growth, among the pines, not 
cutting away any pines at first, unless they happen to be so strong and thick 
as to overshadow the oaks. In about 2 years it becomes necessary to shred 
the branches of the pines, to give light and air to the oaks; and, in about 2 or 
3 more years to begin gradually to remove the pines altogether, taking out a 
certain number each year, so that, at the end of 20 or 25 years, not a single 
Scotch pine shall be left ; although, for the first 10 or 12 years, the plantation 
may have appeared to contain nothing else but pines. The advantage of this 
mode of planting has been found to be, that the pines dry and ameliorate the 
soil, destroying the coarse grass and brambles which frequently choke and 
injure oaks ; and that no mending over is necessary, as scarcely an oak so 
planted is found to fail. It is not an expensive method of planting, especially 
if the plants are raised on the spot. The pines are planted by raising the turf 
with a Scotch planting spade. (See Part IV.] A man and boy may plant 500 
ina day. For the oaks, good-sized holes must be made, and the making of 
these will cost from Is. to 1s. 6d. a hundred, according to the soil.—Ofice of 
