276 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
along the slope of a hill, sufficient material is usually found on the 
highest part to make up the deficiency on the lower, and complete 
the construction of the road; and, if it is kept smooth and dry, it 
will be found to be as permanent as if it had been metalled at 
great expense. When it is found necessary to convey material for 
the construction of the road, a box or longitudinal trench should be 
cut out for its reception. The metal may either be broken and 
carted on, or the stones may be carted on whole and broken into 
the road. It is necessary to have a bottom layer of 5 inches, and 
an upper one of 3 inches, the size of the stones not exceeding 
3 inches in the former, nor 23 inches in the latter. The road 
should be thoroughly pressed together with a heavy roller. A 
“blinding” of sharp gravel may then be spread on the surface, and 
the rolling repeated. ‘“ Trail” roads should also be provided for 
conveying the produce to the principal thoroughfares. As they 
are much narrower than the cart roads, they may be made in straight 
lines. They can be so laid out as to divide the plantation into 
convenient working blocks. They are also handy for sportsmen. 
6. PREPARATION OF THE GROUND. 
In Scotland, waste land is generally covered with heather, whins, 
or broom. 
The best and cheapest method of clearing land of a heavy crop 
of heather is to burn it. This is a very dangerous operation when 
conducted in the immediate vicinity of plantations. Much damage 
is often done by the fires being allowed to enter the woods. This 
evil can easily be guarded against by having men in attendance 
with brooms or other suitable appliances to keep the fire within 
due limits. If the situation is very much exposed, strips should be 
left at intervals to shelter the young trees. This work is best 
accomplished in autumn or early in spring. It should be done at 
least three years before the ground is planted. 
This interval is necessary in order that the surface may again be 
covered with vegetation. Young trees seldom do well when planted 
while the ground is entirely bare from the effects of burning. The 
reason of this is that the soil is in too loose a condition, and admits 
drought and frost too readily. If the heather does not exceed 
6 inches in length, it is quite unnecessary to burn it, as it offers no 
impediment to the planting of the smallest trees in use. Whins 
and broom are more difficult to get rid of. They can of course be 
