NOTES AND QUERIES. 89 



The question of initial costs must always be kept in mind 

 along with the silvicultural efficiency of the work. This 

 efficiency is obtained by having the right number of the right 

 species of plants on the ground at all stages of the forest's 

 existence. To obtain the proper number of trees at the beginning 

 entails the outlay of capital at the most expensive period in the 

 whole rotation. In attempting to reduce this initial outlay one 

 must consider all possible ways and means of establishing the new 

 crop. 



In Britain, planting has usually been practised in preference 

 to sowing. By this method there is an early show of stocking. 

 In addition, the young trees are sooner out of the way of various 

 dangers than are those established by sowing. The costs of 

 planting may exceed those of sowing. This will entirely depend 

 on the cultural operations necessary in each case. 



M. L. Boppe gives the following resume of the question : — 



" It is better to plant than to sow : 



" 1. On soft ground; on ground which readily heaves with 

 frost ; or which is covered with grass ; and in elevated stations 

 where the climate is uncongenial. 



" 2. In places where the seeds are in danger of being devoured 

 by animals. 



" 3. In dry, warm climates where the roots would have to 

 pierce rather deeply in order to withstand a life of insolation 

 and periods of prolonged drought. 



" In general, with planting one can produce more easily than 

 with sowing the desired consistency of stocking and mixing of 

 the species. 



" Lastly, one can see and repair failures more easily. 



"Sowing is to be preferred to planting : 



" 1. In certain stony soils where planting would be difficult. 



" 2. When seed can be obtained at a very low price. 



"3. When the ground requires no particular preparation for 

 sowing. 



" In all other cases sowing costs more than planting. 



" One of the principal inconveniences of sowing is that the 

 plants tend to be too numerous in one place, and it is necessary 

 to thin them out early, especially if they are conifers. This 

 work, always delicate, occasions an increase in expenditure 

 which must be taken note of." 



VOL. XXXIII. PART I. G 



