NOTES ON FOREST WORK. 455 



the forester has to judge as to the best and cheapest method of 

 procedure. When, for instance, one has to deal with a young 

 plantation composed of Scots fir and spruce, where the former 

 species in most cases outgrows the latter during the first 

 twelve or fourteen years, and where it is necessary to lop 

 off the lateral shoots of the Scots fir so as to keep the leaders 

 of the spruce clear, I would unhesitatingly recommend the 

 "Standard Tree Pruner" as being the most economical tool 

 to use. It is very light, is easily manipulated, and can be 

 bought at prices ranging from 4s. 6d. to 13s., according to 

 the length of the pole required, — extra blades can be bought 

 for Is. 6d. each. This tool should only be used for soft woods. 

 It can be purchased from any public nurseryman or got direct 

 from the makers. For lopping off leaders or over-reaching 

 side branches of hardwoods of a comparatively small size, the 

 various kinds of hand secateurs which are now in the market 

 are well adapted. These, when kept in good order, make a clean, 

 smooth wound. For older and taller trees the " Parrot Beak " is 

 the quickest and simplest tool to use ; while for heavier branches 

 or limbs the hand-saw has as yet no rival. On young mixed 

 plantations which are already partially ruined through the uncon- 

 trolled competition of the several species of which they are 

 composed, and which are not likely to prove remunerative, the 

 less time and expense bestowed the better. Here the best tool 

 to use is the ordinary hedgebill, which is easily carried, and a 

 man can probably do all that is necessary by a skilful stroke 

 given as he walks along. 



Planting. 



Touching on the important subject of planting — for the space 

 at my disposal will only admit of a few remarks — it is of great 

 advantage if for " notching " half-worn spades of good quality 

 are supplied to the workmen, as these keep a much keener edge, 

 and are lighter to handle than newer ones. 



Where, in my opinion, a considerable saving of money could 

 often be effected in connection with the formation of woodlands, 

 is in the size or age of the plants used in the operation. Of 

 course much depends on the nature of the ground to be planted. 

 There would be no economy in putting very small plants in thick, 

 rough herbage; for the extra cleaniag which they would there 



