FORESTRY AND CONSERVATION 373 



side of the hill a ledge is left, which will aid in the operation. In 

 planting on this ledge the plant should be placed near the outside, 

 so that it will have the surface soil which contains most humus. This 

 furrow has advantages similar to the case cited above. In cases of 

 running furrows of this nature on a hillside, the plowing should 

 commence on the highest point, so that rolling turf will not inter- 

 fere with operations. Never run a furrow with the slope up and 

 down the hill, as washing might occur. 



If it is desired to plant in rough conditions where the running 

 of furrows is impractical, other methods may be followed. Where 

 there exists a dense turf in stony soils the mattock or grub hoes may 

 be of great service. The sod can be cut off with the grub hoe or mat- 

 tock and the soil loosened with a pick, or in case of using the mat- 

 tock by using the pick like part of the mattock. In very rough 

 planting one man can handle the mattock and prepare the planting 

 spot, another prepare the planting hole with the spade, and a third 

 do the planting. However, no definite rules can be laid down, and 

 the arrangement must be settled for the individual case. In some 

 lands it might take two men with mattocks to prepare ground for one 

 planter. In all rough planting of this nature it is advisable to follow 

 as definite lines as possible so that future inspection may be possible 

 as well as insuring a proper stocking of the area. Good soil will 

 usually send up a dense growth of weeds that would in many cases 

 choke out young plants. Such soil where possible should be fallowed 

 before planting and cultivation carried on for at least two years after 

 planting, which would give the young trees a splendid start. 



In some cases soil which produces rank weed growth will be 

 located so that it will be impossible to cultivate. In such locations 

 it will be necessary to go through the plantation, once or twice dur- 

 ing the summer, with a scythe and free any plants which are being 

 overtopped by weeds. Only the most reliable workmen can be de- 

 pended upon to .do this, as careless workmen will invariably cut off 

 or cut back young plants. 



In planting on this kind of soil, it is important to plant in 

 somewhat regular lines so that the plants may be located easily. It 

 is also necessary to use strong, well developed transplants. After 

 first or second season the plants will get above the danger line of 

 weeds. In many waste types of land the grass and weeds are so 

 sparse that they do not endanger the young plant. Frequently in 

 such cases the growth of weeds or grass make a good protection, 

 especially in the winter. 



In some of the sandy soils it is necessary to protect the plants 

 in the most exposed situations from the drifting sand. The danger 

 may be that the plants will be covered with drifting sand or that the 

 sand may blow away and leave the roots exposed. This may fre- 

 quently be averted by scattering brush or other debris between the 

 planting rows in the threatened areas. The best results on the above 

 areas will be obtained by planting evergreens so that protection may 

 be had both summer and winter. For the most exposed locations, 

 Scotch Pine and Jack Pine will be the most advisable trees to plant. 



