220 THE FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GAME COVERTS. 
sense of the word suited for game coverts. To clearly define the 
difference would, however, be no easy matter, and, even were it 
possible to do so, would in the end be productive of but little 
good, as the habits of different plants vary so much, that what is 
used in one place for carpeting purposes might in another and more 
favourable situation be equally valuable for game covert. A good 
example of this will be found in the St John’s Wort, which, when 
planted out and allowed to ramble at will amongst bramble, 
privet, etc., forms a capital covert; whereas, when used in open, 
airy situations—such as alongside shrubbery walks—soon forms a 
dense evergreen carpet, of so compact a growth as to be almost 
impenetrable even to ground game. 
In addition to the above-named plants, the following are well 
adapted for giving shelter to game :—Dogwood, Hazel, Elder, 
Arbutus, Cotoneaster of sorts, Juniper of sorts, Pernettya mucronata, 
Rubus nutkanus, Taxus adpressa, Photinia serrulata, Kalmia 
latifolia, Garrya elliptica, etc. These should be planted out in 
small groups—the more valuable kinds in the most conspicuous 
position, such as alongside or within view of woodland drives and 
shooting roads. 
Protection from Rabbits, etc.—It may seem somewhat absurd to 
speak of planting game coverts, and then to protect them from their 
depredations ; but that this is highly necessary for the first two 
years, at least, is well known to all planters. Few of the shrubs 
treated of in this paper are exempt from the attacks of hares and 
rabbits, more especially when in a young state, and newly transferred 
from the nursery ; and for this reason it is always found necessary 
to protect them in some way or other until fairly started into growth 
and beyond the reach of game. For this purpose wire netting is 
the cheapest and most effectual preservative with which I am 
acquainted. The netting should be about 4 feet in height, not 
more than 14-inch mesh, and inserted in the ground 4 inches, to 
prevent rabbits from working underneath. It may be fixed to posts 
driven firmly into the ground at a distance of 5 feet apart along the 
line of fence. This precaution against the depredations of game 
may not be necessary for all the clumps, but it is especially so for 
those of laurustinus, barberry, and laurel. 
For the first two or three years after planting, the shrubs should 
be kept free of grass and weeds, which will encourage the plants to 
start into growth quicker and thrive much better than they can do 
if the ground is impoverished and light and air excluded by weeds. 
