CHAP. CV. CORYLA^CE^. QUE'RCUS. 1803 



main stem, one year's growth of side branches, till the plants are arrived at a 

 stem of 4-0 ft., 50 ft., or 60 ft. ; and they may then be permitted to run to head 

 without further pruning." The thinnings, till the plants attain the height of 

 5 ft. or 6 ft., may be used for transplanting ; after that they may be sold for 

 walkingsticks, hoops, or crate-ware ; at the next thinning, they may be cut 

 down in spring, and barked, and sold as poles and for fence-wood j and, lastly, 

 they may be cut down in spring, and barked, and sold as small timber for making 

 posts and rails, for gates, and for various country purposes. 



As the Ultimatum on the Subject ofjylanting and sheltering Oaks, we give the 

 following abstract of the practice adopted by the government officers in the 

 national forests, and more especially in the New Forest, where, as we have 

 already observed, it was introduced by Mr. Turner, This abstract was pre- 

 pared by Alexander Milne, Esq., in answer to a question by Lord Hatherton, 

 who intended to plant oaks extensively, as to the best mode of proceeding; 

 and a copy of it was kindly presented to us by Mr. Milne : — " When the new 

 plantations in the royal forests (now exceeding 40,000 acres) were first under- 

 taken, the opinions of the most extensive owners and growers of oak timber, 

 and of the most experienced nurserymen in various parts of the kingdom, were 

 resorted to, as to the most advisable methods of planting, and especially as to 

 the expediency of mixing Scotch pines in plantations the ultimate object of 

 which was oak ; and it is rather extraordinary, that the majority of the opinions 

 received were against such mixture. Accordingly, in the most favourable 

 soils and situations, oaks only were planted at first; but in spots where it was 

 thought doubtful if oaks would grow, Scotch pines were planted with a small 

 proportion of oaks intermixed ; and it was soon'found that in many of those 

 spots, even under the disadvantages of inferior soil and greater exposure, such 

 was the benefit derived from the warmth and shelter of the pines, that the 

 oaks far outgrew their neighbours planted in more favourable soils, but 

 without the same protection. After this, the use of Scotch pines became 

 more general: strong belts were planted on the most exposed outsides of the 

 plantations, and also across, at intervals, in lines, towards the most prevailing 

 winds, and from these great benefit was found ; but in all cases where oaks 

 were planted actually amongst the pines, and surrounded by them, the oaks 

 were found to be much the best. The plan next pursued was to plant an 

 equal quantity of oaks and pines, planting both at the same time : the con- 

 sequence of which was, that the pines got on immediately, but the oaks ' 

 remained stationary for a few years, until the pines got sufficiently advanced 

 to afford them shelter; and, in the intermediate time, a portion of the oaks 

 died, and some were choked by the high grass, briars, &c., with which they 

 might happen to be surrounded. For several years past, the plan pursued 

 has been, to plant the enclosures with Scotch pines only, as soon as they are 

 fenced in and drained (if draining is required) ; and when the pines have got 

 to the height of 3 ft. or 6 ft., which they will do in as many years, then to put 

 in good strong oak plants of about 4 or 3 years' growth, among the pines, not 

 cutting away any pines at first, unless they happen to be so strong and thick 

 as to overshadow the oaks. In about 2 years it becomes necessary to shred 

 the branches of the pines, to give light and air to the oaks ; and, in about 2 or 

 3 more years to begin gradually to remove the pines altogether, taking out a 

 certain number each year, so that, at the end of 20 or 23 years, not a single 

 Scotch pine shall be left; although, for the first 10 or 12 years, the plantation 

 may have appeared to contain nothing else but pines. The advantage of this 

 mode of planting has been found to be, that the pines dry and ameliorate the 

 soil, destroying the coarse grass and brambles which frequently choke and 

 injure oaks; and that no mending over is necessary, as scarcely an oak so 

 planted is found to fail. It is not an expensive method of planting, especially 

 if the plants are raised on the spot. The pines are planted by raising the turf 

 with a Scotch planting spade. [See Part IV.] A man and boy may plant 500 

 in a day. For the oaks, good-sized holes must be made, and the making of 

 these will cost from Is. to \s. 6rf. a hundred, according to the soil. — Office of 



