CHOICE OF METHOD OF FORMATION OF WOODS. 173 



direct sowing. In such cases it is much easier and 

 cheaper to provide the necessary tending and protec- 

 tion in a compact nursery than on an extensive forest 

 block. 



Species which grow slowly during youth, should be 

 planted ; those of fast and early development may be 

 sown direct, if this be desirable on other grounds. 



The shape of the root-system is also of importance. 

 Species which develop a compact and comparatively 

 shallow root-system are much easier to plant than those 

 which at once develop a deep-going tap root ; for the 

 latter, direct sowing may be advisable. Long tap roots 

 may, however, be pruned, or the seedlings raised in 

 such a manner that they are forced to develop a compact 

 root-system ; at the same time either alternative may 

 be of doubtful expediency. 



Mixed woods should be established by planting, as a 

 proper mixture of the species is rarely practicable by 

 direct sowing ; at any rate some of the species must be 

 planted. Frequently it is desirable to give one 

 species a start over another, and this can be done in 

 a satisfactory manner by the use of large plants. 



4. Condition of Locality. 



As a general rule it may be said that planting is 

 preferable whenever the conditions of the locality are 

 unfavourable, especially where extremes of soil and 

 climate prevail, while in a favourable locality direct 

 sowing may yield equally good results. 



Unfavourable localities are those with a wet, occa- 

 sionally inundated, or very moist, heavy, cold soil; 



