THE FORMATION OF PLANTATIONS. 275 
air and rain-water, both of which greatly assist in breaking up 
the pan, and checking its further formation. In preparing peat 
mosses for the growth of trees, the drains will require to be made 
much deeper than in ordinary cases, in order to make allowance 
for the subsidence that usually takes place when the water is 
removed. Owing to the soft nature of the ground, however, they 
can be made at a much cheaper rate than they could be in soils of 
a different character. Where practicable, a little of the sub- 
stratum on which the peat rested should be brought to the 
surface and spread equally over the ground, thus providing for the 
necessary supply of mineral matter usually so deficient in such soils. 
The cost of making ordinary surface drains will vary from 5s. to &s. 
per hundred yards, according to the condition of the ground, and 
the price of labour in the locality. 
5. Maxine or Roapbs. 
It is a matter of paramount importance, before commencing to 
plant any piece of ground of large extent, to have the principal 
lines of roads at least marked off, if the work of construction is to 
be delayed till a later date. If this precaution is neglected, and 
the whole of the ground planted, it will often be a matter of 
extreme difficulty to fix upon the best route for the road after the 
trees have attained a height sufficient to obstruct the view; and 
what may appear to be the best line of road at one point is quite 
impracticable at another. It is not necessary to have the principal 
roads laid off in straight lines. In fact, it is very undesirable to 
have them so constructed, affording, as they do, an unrestricted 
passage to the wind. 
The object aimed at in forming the roads is to provide as easy 
an access as possible to every part of the plantation. It is not 
necessary that all the roads should be constructed on an expensive 
scale, but only those which have to undergo constant tear and wear. 
For those of minor importance, it will be sufficient to have ditches 
cut to carry off stagnant water from the surface. The principal 
roads should be of sufficient breadth to enable two carts or waggons 
to pass each other without inconvenience. 
The great secret of success in the maintenance of roads is to 
have them as nearly free from moisture as possible. On _ hilly 
ground, where the soil is of an open and gravelly nature, metalling 
can often be dispensed with altogether. If the road is formed 
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