FINANCE IN ESTATE FORESTRY. 33 



in ordinary condition should be prepared by draining and a 

 general clearing up at an expenditure not exceeding 5s. per acre. 

 It is not reasonable to debit a new plantation with the expense 

 of clearing "slash." As a general rule new roads need not be 

 formed. All that is essential is that rides and fire-breaks are 

 designed in every plantation and that they should be properly 

 defined by well-driven stakes which will remain in the ground, 

 and left unplanted. 



Fencing. 



The subject of enclosure follows as the next item of expense, 

 and for small areas it is the most serious charge. Where a 

 fence is necessary, and if the enclosure is, for example, a square 

 of 10 acres, a six-wire stob fence should be erected inclusive 

 of material for about is. 3d. per yard or a total of ;£S5 ^^^ 

 880 yards, which would add the sum of ^^5, los. per acre : but 

 upon an expanding planting-plan a square area of 20 acres 

 only requires a fence of 1244 yards, a square of 40 acres can 

 be enclosed with a fence of 1760 yards, or only double the 

 length of the enclosure for the lo-acre block. An effective fence 

 with posts 30 feet apart and 5 droppers of wood (2 ins. by 

 i| ins.) spaced between can be constructed for iid. per yard. 

 If protection against rabbits is necessary, the additional cost of 

 netting of proper mesh and gauge should be 6d. per yard. 

 Democritus, an ardent enthusiast of the kitchen garden, declared 

 that it was unwise to enclose a garden, because the profit would 

 not compensate for a stone wall, and so it is to-day in the 

 enclosure of plantations. In fencing the utmost economy should 

 be exercised. Ideal finish or best quality posts are not essential 

 if tar or creosote are applied, and instead of erecting wood or 

 iron gates, any roadway openings should be closed with light 

 wood hurdles hung by hooks to the posts. 



Planting. 



The operation of planting is one in which considerable ex- 

 perience has been obtained during recent years. The cost has 

 varied materially under the influence of bad weather and of 

 uncertain or unskilled labour, but given ordinary conditions 

 existing in the normal country district, an acre can be planted 

 with 2000 plants, inclusive of beating up, at an average cost 

 of from 30s. to 35s. per acre. It is believed that the work can 



VOL. XXXV. PART I. C 



