SKETCH OF WORKING-PLAN. 67 



which can be brought into condition to receiv'e young plants 

 without much cultivation. The plants are taken from the seed- 

 beds of the central nursery and " lined out " here, one or two 

 years before being planted out. These temporary nurseries are 

 of special value in serving places at a distance from the central 

 nursery, as the material can be got at hand, in such quantities 

 as are required at the moment, for planting out. All difficulties 

 of transport in the busy season are thus done away with. After 

 the district served by the temporary nursery has been planted, 

 the nursery itself is planted up, though a small part of it should 

 be retained for a few years, to provide plants for filling blanks in 

 the plantation. 



The most convenient site for the principal nursery is at 

 Auchteraw, a mile to the south of Fort Augustus. The position 

 is central, and it is easily accessible by good roads. The soil is 

 good, and in every way suitable for the purpose. It is at 

 present under cultivation, and can easily be brought into suitable 

 condition. The situation is elevated sufficiently above the 

 bottom of the valley to be beyond the most dangerous frost 

 region. It is airy but not too exposed, as it is sufficiently 

 protected by the higher ground around it. There is also a 

 sufficient supply of running water. 



Staff and Labour. — The question of staff and labour for 

 the whole scheme is dealt with, at length, in another section 

 (Chapter VII.), so here, facts relating to the forest work alone 

 will be briefly dealt with. At the outset, the work will consist 

 of raising the young plants, clearing birch, etc., where it exists, 

 planting and protecting the plantations. As the work will 

 proceed on a detailed working-plan the whole area can be put 

 under the charge of one head forester. Under him there will be 

 three assistant foresters or working foremen to take charge of 

 the operations at the three centres. At at later period, when 

 extensive areas of new plantations have been created, and when 

 the stage is reached where the woods must be thinned, it will 

 be necessary to divide the charge. Ultimately three head 

 foresters will be required. At the outset, however, one head 

 forester will be able to undertake the work for the whole area. 

 He will be responsible for the nursery work, the execution of the 

 planting, engagement of workers, book-keeping, etc. It will 

 also be his duty to see that the plantations do not suff"er from 

 attacks by game, or from other causes. Rabbit trappers and 



