DIRECT SOWING. 57 



extremes, and the surface of the ground not very steep, 

 or the seed may be washed away ; the seedlings must 

 be hardy. Such a combination of conditions is only 

 exceptionally met with. 



As a general rule the soil requires some cultivation 

 before the seed is sown. This can sometimes be 

 at once undertaken; in other cases it must be pre- 

 ceded by the removal of an objectionable covering. 



Removal of Surface Covering. This may consist 

 of shrubs, weeds, reeds, or excessive layers of moss and 

 leaf-mould. It may be removed, according to circum- 

 stances, with billhooks, knives, scythes, rakes, hoes, or 

 by hand. The refuse may be used for litter or other 

 purposes, or it may be^ burned when dry, the ashes 

 being scattered over the area. If the covering is suffi- 

 ciently dry, the area may be burned over without 

 previously collecting the material, care being taken that 

 the fire does not spread into adjoining woods. 



In the case of a short weed-growth, or moderate 

 layer of moss or raw humus, it need not be previously 

 removed, but may be dealt with simultaneously with 

 the loosening of the soil. 



Cultivation^ or Loosening the Soil. This can be 

 done in a variety of ways, according to the required 

 depth of cultivation. The tools used are principally 

 the following : 



For superficial loosening or ^ r 



,, The rake, harrow, or 

 so-called woundinq ot the > ,. . ' 



( a light hoe. 

 soil ; 



For moderately deep cultiva- ) _ 



\ The hoe. 

 tion . . . . . J 



For deep cultivation . . The plough and spade. 



