SEA-SIDE PLANTING IN GASCONY. 9 



of sand, destitute of vegetation, and agitated by the 

 wind. 



This successful example of reclaiming sand-drifit, 

 has naturally been regarded as a great triumph of 

 arboretical skill, the commission reporting that 

 12,500 acres of downs had been covered with thriving 

 plantations, by means of sowing the seeds of the 

 pineaster, in the proportion of two pounds, mixed with 

 four or five pounds of broom, to the acre ; and imme- 

 diately covering with branches of pine, or other trees 

 with the leaves on, commencing at the side next the 

 sea, or from whence the wind usually proceeded, in 

 narrow zones at right angles to that of the wind ; the 

 first sown zone being protected by a line of hurdles, 

 this zone protecting the second, the second the third, 

 and so on. But as I before remarked I will return 

 to the subject again, having alluded to these instances, 

 to show under what extreme difficulties land otherwise 

 worthless can be reclaimed, and made valuable by the 

 judicious planting of trees. 



If then, the barren sea-shore can be rendered 

 fertile and productive by means of art, what excuse 

 is there for leaving large bare flats which are scorched 

 up in summer, without a particle of shade for the 

 cattle which are upon them, when not only the beauty 

 of the landscape could be considerably improved, but 

 a very important element of profit added to the 

 estate ? 



Many person^ plant trees, but meet with no 

 success in what they undertake, from not making 

 choice of the right kinds to suit the situation or soil 

 for which they are intended ; or merely shift trees 

 from other situations, when the roots have not been 



