NATURE AS THE FORESTER'S GUIDE. 6 1 



generally found growing on plantable ground. But several 

 hundreds of smaller plants will also be found, all of which will 

 occupy a situation peculiar to themselves, and many an object- 

 lesson may be learned from these. 



The ordinary observer may find a little difficulty at first in 

 obtaining a knowledge of the plants growing naturally on any 

 piece of ground, but this knowledge can soon be acquired, and 

 it will not only add considerably to the pleasure to be derived 

 from the cultivation of forest trees, but it will usually convey a 

 good indication of the varieties suitable under the varying con- 

 ditions of soil and locality. When these natural agencies are 

 ignored, errors and disappointments will generally follow which 

 will only be discovered after the lapse of several years. 



Even after we have followed nature's guidance, the results may 

 not always be as we had anticipated. This may arise from 

 other causes which we are unable to control, such as insect 

 pests, fungoid diseases, and wind storms. 



It is quite evident from the remains to be found in our peat 

 bogs and in the uplying districts of Scotland, that these were at 

 one time covered with forests which were destroyed by fire and 

 other agencies. So complete, we are told, was the destruction 

 of these forests, that in 1707 all that remained of the grand old 

 Caledonian forests were a few remnants in a most deplorable 

 condition. Under existing conditions, natural re-afforestation 

 of these hills cannot be carried out; consequently, the first im- 

 portant item for the production of healthy forests is the collection 

 of seed from healthy, well-grown trees. 



The nursery treatment of tree plants does not always come 

 under the care of the planter. Nevertheless, the artificial method 

 should aim at producing, as nearly as possible, a root-system 

 similar to that produced by nature, with the main root vertically 

 under the plant and the side rootlets evenly developed around 

 it. Under the common system of hand-laying the plants are 

 usually overcrowded in the line, the stems twisted and bent, 

 and the roots matted and doubled. Such plants are always 

 less healthy — more liable to suffer from wind and from the 

 attacks of insects and fungoid diseases — than naturally-grown 

 specimens. 



Various designs of transplanting laths have now been in use 

 for several years, any one of which, if properly handled, will 

 ensure conditions such that the plants develop natural roots, 



