54 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
VI. On the Rearing of Natural and Artificial Undercover 
jor Game. By AtexanpER M‘Rag, Forester, Castlecomer, 
Kilkenny Co., Ireland. 
Practical forestry of the present day embraces a field of opera- 
tions which is at once wide and varied. In the main the forester 
is expected to raise and manage plantations so as to produce the 
best possible quality of timber at the least possible expense; but 
at the same time, on the great majority of our estates, he must 
also provide ample facilities for sport and the preservation of game. 
On large estates, where the plantations are extensive, and of all 
ages, and in all stages of growth, the task of providing cover is not 
very difficult, especially if the older plantations are well stocked 
with underwood, which is well managed on the rotation system. 
By this method the supply of cover is continuous, and if the locality 
is a good one, and the underwood produced is of good quality, the 
revenue will also be continuous, a phase of the question which is 
somewhat important in these times of depression. 
But if good sport is required on small estates, where the planta- 
tions consist of mere slangs and long narrow strips, with here and 
there a wood containing several acres, it becomes absolutely 
necessary to preserve and encourage all natural undercover, and 
also to introduce covert plants suitable to the soil and situation. 
The reason for this is obvious. On small estates it is very diffi- 
cult to keep game, and especially pheasants, from straying into 
the enemy’s camp unless good, comfortable covers are provided for 
them. 
By way of following the subject up from the beginning, we shall 
suppose ourselves on an estate where the renovation of the game 
covers is an item of importance. The first step will be to examine 
the condition and position of the covers, and the next to decide— 
after consultation between the proprietor, the gamekeeper, and the 
forester—which of the covers is first to be operated on. We shall 
suppose the plantation chosen consists chiefly of hardwoods of 
timber size, with a fair sprinkling of overgrown underwood. It 
will be necessary to commence operations by making a careful 
examination of the trees forming the standard crop. If they are 
moderately thin, and distributed pretty equally over the ground, 
little need be done; but where the standards stand thick it is 
advisable to thin them out, care being taken to regulate them so as 
