PLANTING. 87 



gur- holes frequently probed, by reason of 

 the leaves of trees falling into them. 



Whatever mode is practised, it is essenti- 

 ally necessary for the welfare of the planta- 

 tion, that it be ivell performed ; and that the 

 drains, of whatever description they be, be 

 always kept in proper repair ; the good ef- 

 fects of which will be visible on the timber, 

 whether while growing, or when felled. Nor 

 will the purchaser, who buys the timber on 

 its foot, complain that the most valuable part 

 of his tree, the root- cut, is spoiled by the rot, 

 induced upwards by spouty soil. 



Sdly. PLOUGHING ONLY. This mode 

 of preparation, on tillable sites, and where- 

 the soil is thin, is the cheapest and most 

 effectual method. If the land has been in 

 tillage, it wants nothing more than two fur- 

 rows, and as many strokes of the harrow, to 

 render it fit for the reception of trees. But 

 if it is in ley, a crop of oats, &c. the season 

 before planting being taken ; or if it is stub- 

 born, a second crop, perhaps of beans, tur- 

 nips, or potatoes, will be necessary ; previ- 

 ously ploughing and -harrowing well, and 

 laying the land up in a comfortable manner, 



G 



