FOREST-TREE GROWING IN THE SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND. 1 69 



"This has the effect of breaking the surface-crust, and paves 

 the way for the later machine-hoeing. The manipulation of the 

 small Planet wheel-hoe is extremely simple, and requires but 

 little explanation here. The machine is fitted with six cultivator- 

 teeth, I in. in width, three of which stir up the soil between 

 each line. On fastening to the arch a light rope with handle-bar 

 attachment, a workman is able to draw the hoe steadily all day 

 without feeling the least fatigue. The hoe follows precisely the 

 same course as the man in front — viz., straddling the line of trees ; 

 but the guiding of the machine is done by another workman, 

 who holds the handles firmly, and walks along the last cultivated 

 row, so that on the return journey his footprints are obliterated. 

 The suppression of weed-growth close to young trees cannot be 

 accomplished by the wheel-hoe method, as in attempting to run 

 the cultivator-teeth very closely to the lines there is a decided 

 risk of disturbing the root-system of the growing plants, with 

 disastrous results. Hand weeding is thus resorted to. 



" Employees are provided with small weeding-forks, and in a 

 kneeling position extract by the roots all foreign weed-growth — 

 principally sorrel, spurrey-weed, and shepherd's purse — which are 

 deposited in rows about six lines apart. The weeds thus 

 accumulated are then drawn into heaps and removed preferably 

 by means of a hand-barrow." 



In order to cause the plants to mature the season's growth and 

 harden off, especially when growth is likely to be prolonged into 

 late autumn, " wrenching " is resorted to. Mr Robinson's experi- 

 ence is that "there can be no question that checking the 

 progress of late-growing evergreen and deciduous trees is helpful 

 in bringing about the desired hardening-off state so necessary in 

 tree-growing when carried on in districts where severe winters are 

 experienced." 



The following paragraph deals with the important operations 

 of lifting and bundling the trees for transference to the planting 

 ground : 



" The distribution to State plantations, domains, etc., of an 

 approximate 3,120,000 trees annually from the nurseries at 

 Tapanui, Ranfurly, and Hanmer Springs necessitates tree-lifting 

 being commenced immediately the season's growth has matured. 

 We endeavour to make a start towards the latter part of April, 

 but perhaps the presence of autumnal foliage on larch, rowan, or 

 birch offers the most accurate guide as to how early the removal 



