NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES 223 



beginning deep burrows. Where there is no fencing, iron or wood 

 end posts may be used for fixing the netting, a top wire being 

 stretched from post to post, and to this the upper edge of the 

 netting secured. 



FIG. 126. FIXING WIRE-NETTING. 



For temporary purposes, iron stakes with prongs on one side 

 may be used for fixing the netting, the prongs 6 in. long, and 

 the part above 3 ft. this being "eyed" at 15, 30 and 35 in. 

 respectively from the prongs upwards, No. 10 wire being stretched 

 through all the eyes, and the wires being tight, the netting being 

 secured to the two lowest wires and let into the ground, as shown, 

 Fig. 126 : it does not " bag," and rabbits seldom burrow under 

 it. The top wire practically adds 5 in. to the height, as hares 

 " see " it and shy, neither they nor rabbits passing over, especially 

 if, on the approach of severe weather, the upper edge of the netting 

 and top wire be coated with an obnoxious substance. 



Noxious SUBSTANCES. In the case of young plantations, 

 where it would be inadvisable to exclude hares and rabbits on 

 account of food in the shape of gorse, broom, mountain-ash and 

 other scrub, with coarse grasses and sometimes heather being 

 available, the trees in danger of losing their leading growths or 

 having the stems barked may be protected by either home-made 

 or purchased smears. The former usually consist of fresh cow- 

 dung, coal-tar or slaked lime, brought to oil-paint consistency 

 with urine, as advised under deer ; or I peck fresh cowdung, 

 \ peck quicklime, J Ib. flowers of sulphur and \ Ib. lampblack, 

 mixing the whole into a thick paint with urine and soapsuds ; 

 or equal proportions of sulphur, soot and lime, made into a thick 



