STOCKING THE GEOUND 129 



Conifers, whose roots remain dormant throughout the 

 winter, should in moist situations be planted in the 

 spring, so that as little time as possible elapses between 

 lifting in the nursery and the time when growth begins. 

 This applies particularly to those trees which take 

 unkindly to transplanting. 



On light soils, thaw following a severe frost is liable 

 to throw young plants right out of the ground; in this 

 case planting should be deferred until the danger from 

 heavy frosts is past. 



Sowing should, as a rule, be done in April with seeds 

 of most conifers, so that as little time as possible elapses 

 between sowing and germination. 



Large seeds may be dibbled in the autumn, but risk of 

 loss through mice and birds is increased. 



The seeds of some trees — Birch or Wych Elm, for 

 instance — should be sown as soon as ripe, as they soon 

 lose their germinative power. 



Size of Plants and Distance at which to Plant. 



The size of the plants must depend on the class of 

 land to be planted. On old forest land or ploughed land, 

 seedlings may be used; where coarse grass covers the 

 ground, plants from 1 to 2 feet will be needed, and where 

 bracken is present 2 to 3 feet will not be too large. 

 Different trees arrive at these sizes at different ages. 



Larch, Sycamore, or Alder, for instance, being quick- 

 growing, will reach the latter height as 2-year 1-year 

 plants; others, such as Silver Fir, Spruce, Oak, or Beech, 

 may require three or even more years in the nursery 



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