14 FORESTEY WORK 



Selection of Site for a Nursery. 



A nursery, to produce sturdy plants, should neither b& 

 too well sheltered nor too exposed. 



The south-west wind is generally the strongest wind 

 in this country, and the east wind the most bitter. 



A certain amount of shelter is given against these 

 winds by choosing a north-western aspect with a gentle 

 slope. 



Advantage may also be taken of an old wood to serve 

 as shelter against the worst wind. 



If extra shelter is needed for the most tender species, 

 it should be provided artificially. 



On a north-western aspect, growth starts later than on 

 south or south-western exposures, thereby reducing risk 

 of loss by late spring frosts. 



Southern aspects on dry soil often suffer from drought* 



The soil of a nursery should be fairly light and open, 

 so that a fine tilth can be obtained for the seed-beds and 

 for the young transplants, a sandy loam being best. 



Sandy soils encourage the growth of fibrous roots more 

 than stiffer soils. Nurseries should not be formed on 

 stiff clays if this can possibly be avoided. It is better 

 to have the soil too light than too heavy. 



The depth of the soil should be at least 15 inches, but 

 it is seldom necessary to have it deeper than 20 inches. 



The elevation of the nursery should never be too low.- 

 especially if plantations are to be formed on exposed 

 hillsides; it should be rather higher than the average of 

 the land to be planted. 



