ESTABLISHING FORESTS BY PLANTING 



423 



The ax-mattock differs from the grub-hoe in being much heavier 

 and in having an additional blade for cutting brush and roots 

 that interfere with the digging of the planting hole (Fig. 1276). 

 It is much more cumbersome and more difficult to manage in 

 planting and should not be used except on sites where brush and 

 roots make the use of the grub-hoe impracticable. On glacial drift 

 and other exceptionally stony soils, the ax-mattock should be re- 

 placed with the pick-mattock, as it facilitates the loosening of- 

 the stones uncovered in making the planting hole (Fig. 127c). 



Both the grub-hoe and mattock are rapidly dulled in the proc- 



a. Grub-hoe. 



FIG. 127. 

 Ax-mattock. 



c. Pick-mattock. 



ess of planting, particularly if the ground is stony. Each work- 

 man should carry an 8- or 10-inch flat file in order to keep the 

 planting tool in the best condition for effective work. On large 

 operations all tools should be sharpened on an emery wheel each 

 morning or evening. If the blade has been worn down to a length 

 of 7 inches or under, it should be either discarded or taken to a 

 blacksmith and drawn out to its former length. 



The cost of hole planting with the grub-hoe and mattock de- 

 pends upon the experience of the workmen, the character of the 

 site, and the form and size of the stock. On moderately loose 



