ASPECT 71 



(2) The shelter and protection that exists from gales and 



from late spring and early autumn frosts. 



(3) The depth of the soil. 



(4) The mechanical condition of the soil ; its adhesiveness 



or otherwise, etc. 

 To some extent, however, these factors are interdependent. 



Before, however, attempting to make a choice, a careful 

 study of all trees in the neighbourhood should be made ; for, 

 provided conditions be similar, the evidence of growing 

 timber is far more reliable than any individual opinion. 

 But, of course, the absence of certain trees in a locality does 

 not necessarily prove that they will not succeed if planted. 



Then again, before the above considerations can be fully 

 taken into account, it will be necessary to dig trial holes at 

 intervals over the area to be planted, so as to satisfy oneself 

 as to the nature of the soil and the moisture it contains, 

 etc. 



Besides the four factors just mentioned, there are other 

 considerations to which regard must be paid, such, for 

 instance, as the requirements as to plant food and as to heat. 

 And so, again, the possibility of floods, the likelihood of 

 fire, and so on. 



Now, before considering how the various species of trees 

 are affected by these factors, it is necessary to consider the 

 manner in which the aspect and altitude will influence the 

 locality and the soil. 



The Aspect exerts a far greater influence on the locality 

 and over the welfare of tree growth than is usually supposed ; 

 especially is this the case where young crops are concerned. 

 In almost all cases the growth of trees is far better on 

 northern, north-eastern, and north-western aspects, than on 

 southern, south-eastern, or south-western aspects. In a 

 general way, it may be said that southern aspects are 

 hot and dry, and that northern aspects are cool and moist. 



The intensity of the sun's rays is greater on sloping land 

 with a southern aspect than is the case on flat land ; and it 

 is least on slopes with a northern aspect. This is a direct 

 cause for both the soil and the atmosphere being drier on 



