96 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
In the case of a plantation on a hill-side, however, which faces 
the wind, this forcing upwards is continuous until it reaches the 
summit, and each tree being higher than the one immediately 
standing below it, owing to the rise of the ground, the wind has 
almost the same effect on the whole of the plantation as it had on 
the edges of the one standing on level ground. 
In forming a plantation on a hill-side, then, we cannot protect 
the trees from the wind by giving the outlines any particular 
shape, but merely prevent it from acting on individual trees as 
much as possible by keeping them as close, and the whole of the 
plantation as perfect and free from gaps as possible. But on flat 
ground we can do something to lessen the effect of the wind by 
presenting as small a surface to the point from which it comes as 
possible. The most effectual method we could adopt would 
perhaps be that of giving the plantation an oblong or conical 
outline, with the shorter sides or the apex facing the wind; but 
such outlines would be too lengthy, and increase the expense of 
fencing, while they would probably be considered too formal for 
making a pleasing feature in the landscape. Perhaps the one 
most likely to suit all conditions is that of a triangle, with the apex 
facing the wind, as in the case of the shelter-belts, and for the 
same reasons. Of course gales do not always blow from the same 
point of the compass, and therefore we should guard against them 
as much as possible on all sides; but as this is a matter more 
closely connected with planting and thinning, we think the 
prevailing winds should receive most consideration when laying 
off a plantation intended for the production of timber, as they 
affect the growth and health of the trees to a greater extent than the 
others. To endeavour to make the boundaries as short as possible, 
and the avoidance of unnecessary curves and corners, are import- 
ant points where economy is aimed at, as the fencing of the ground 
is always an expensive item, especially when compound interest 
has to be charged for a number of years on the original outlay. 
Generally speaking, the size and shape of plantations should 
conform or agree as much as possible with the surrounding 
country. 
Fencing. 
The expense incurred in fencing and draining ground before 
planting can be proceeded with probably deters many proprietors 
from planting more of their waste ground than they do at present. 
