NATURE AS THE FORESTER'S GUIDE. 59 



8. Nature as the Forester's Guide. 

 By A. Murray. 



A careful observer of nature will recognise in almost every 

 instance coming under his notice the vigorous growths of all 

 kinds of plants when occupying positions suited to their require- 

 ments. In the rearing of plantations, therefore, the object of 

 the planter should be to assist nature by a proper selection of 

 species suited to the different conditions. The study of nature's 

 laws is of great practical importance in this respect to every one 

 connected with work of this kind; consequently, I have been 

 induced to attempt a brief outline of some of my observations 

 on this subject. In doing so I do not profess to offer anything 

 new or original. My chief object is to set forth some observa- 

 tions in the hope that they may encourage others to study a 

 subject of great and general utility. 



It will be readily admitted by all that the work of the tree 

 planter, and others concerned with the cultivation of the soil, 

 is more directly dependent on nature than is that of those who 

 are engaged in most other industries. Agriculture is near to 

 forestry in this respect, and both are industries of extreme 

 importance in the economy of any nation. Agriculture, how- 

 ever, is different from forestry in that the farmer can sow and 

 reap his crops within a year, while the tree planter must wait 

 many years for his harvest. Again, the farmer may, within 

 certain limits, treat the soil so that various crops can be pro- 

 duced, but the tree planter must take the soil and situation 

 more or less as they exist, and suit his crops to them. 



Amongst our common forest trees many are suited for the 

 same soil conditions. The amount of moisture, the altitude, 

 and proximity to the sea may produce conditions which favour 

 only a limited number of species, however. A certain amount 

 of moisture is necessary for all plants. Some will thrive when 

 there is an excess of moisture, provided it is always in a state 

 of motion, but few plants will thrive on flat lands surcharged 

 with water, until a thorough system of drainage is performed. 

 Many instances have been recorded of rapidity of growth, or 

 otherwise, without, I believe, taking into consideration the 

 cause or minutely examining the reasons. 



It is seldom that the practical forester or tree planter is 

 capable of making a chemical analysis of the soil. Indeed, I 



