286 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISIZ ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
their roots having ample time to establish themselves before 
they grow to a size sufficient to be affected by the wind. These 
remarks apply to conifers only, it being assumed that the more 
valuable of the broad-leaved trees will not be planted in such 
places. In sheltered situations, where tall grass and similar 
hindrances to plant growth have to be guarded against, plants 
of considerable size must be used. ‘Two-year seedlings two years 
transplanted will often be found small enough. The longer 
conifers remain in the nursery lines after they reach the age of 
four years, the less likely are they to succeed when removed to 
their final destination. The roots of firs become more and more 
woody as they advance in years, and fewer fibres are developed. 
As much of the success in transplanting depends on the plenti- 
fulness of these fibres on the roots, it will be easily understood 
how precarious an operation this becomes when the trees are of 
considerable age. Deciduous trees are much better provided with 
fibrous roots at every period of their existence, and can thus be 
removed at a greater age than firs. But economy at the outset, 
and after success in the growth of the plantation, decide us in 
using the smallest size of plants compatible with the natural 
condition of the ground. 
In forming plantations of deciduous trees, these are usually 
planted at wide distances apart, and the intermediate spaces filled 
up with conifers, If the plantation is a mixed one, the trees are 
planted at from 9 to 18 feet apart, according to soil, varieties 
selected, local demand for small-sized timber, etc., the ground 
being of course filled up with coniferous “nurses.” When each 
variety for the ultimate crop is planted separately, oaks are placed 
at 9 feet apart, ash at 7 to 8 feet, elm at 12 feet, beech at 6 to 
8 feet, sycamore at 9 feet. When plantations are formed purely 
of conifers, Scots pine and spruce are placed at from 3 to 4 feet, 
larch and silver fir at from 34.to 5 feet, and Douglas fir at 8 feet, 
with cheaper trees as nurses. 
12. Season oF PLANTING. 
Planting operations of an extensive nature may be successfully 
carried on in this country at any time from November to April, 
both inclusive. On dry, hilly ground, autumn planting proves 
most successful, the plants having time to establish themselves 
before the drought of the ensuing summer sets in. Planting in 
