136 ON THE CLEARING OF LAND FOR PLANTING. 



XII. On the Cheapest and most Effectual Means of Clearing Land 

 for Planting. By D. F. M'Kenzie, Forester and Overseer, 

 Meldriun House, Old Meldrum. 



On this important subject little has been written, and it is 

 difficult to give a reliable estimate to guide intending planters, on 

 account of the variable condition under which we find land covered 

 with whin, broom, or other shrubs. In some cases the land is 

 wholly, and in others partially covered, causing a greater or less 

 amount of work on a given extent of land ; the wages also vary in 

 different localities. Although I have practical experience in such 

 work, and have paid large sums for the removal of brushwood, etc., 

 in various localities, yet I know my figures may be at fault when 

 applied practically to other places, even under the same circum- 

 stances. 



From the available data, I give a brief account of what I 

 believe to be the best mode of clearing off heavy crops of brush- 

 wood, whin, broom, and thorn, and removing the roots. The 

 implements required are — an ordinary pickaxe, four or six chains, 

 about 6 feet in length, made of ^-inch round iron rod. To each 

 chain there should be attached a large link at one end, and a strong 

 hook at the other, made of |-inch iron rod. One, or a pah' of well 

 draughted oxen, yoked with ordinary plough harness, and plough 

 or harrow drawing bars, made of strong but light matei'ial, fitted 

 to use singly if wished. 



To conduct the operations properly, one man is required to chive 

 the oxen, another to use the pickaxe, and two or three lads to 

 arrange the chains in the following manner : Pass a chain round 

 the bush, close to the ground, bring the ends of the chain to meet, 

 pass the hook throiigh the large link, and pull it as tight as 

 possible with the hand. Attach the hook to the eye of the draw- 

 ing bar, which is fastened to the oxen : move the oxen in such a 

 direction as will tighten the chain, without allowing it to slip over 

 the bush. The animals should be moved slowly forward ; and the 

 person with the pickaxe cuts any roots too large for the animals 

 to tear away with ease. Meanwhile the lads arrange the other 

 chains, one of course relieving the chains after the bush has been 

 pulled and thrown aside, and returning the chains to those arrang- 

 ing them round the bushes. If the cover is close, and consists 

 entirely of thorns, the cost per acre will be about 58s. ; and if 



