ROTATION OF CROPPING 111 



plant originally, may now be introduced under a slight 

 shelter-wood of the old crop. 



Occasionally, also, the danger from insect or fungoid 

 attacks will render a change of cropping necessary. 



For instance, it would be very indiscreet to replant with 

 Larch, an area which is already very badly affected with 

 Larch disease. 



Then again, on Scots Pine or Spruce areas, there is a 

 great risk, in replanting with either of this species, of the 

 whole area being destroyed by the Pine Weevil ; and as 

 these two crops cannot usually be said to be remunerative 

 (at present prices), it will be advisable, where possible, to 

 follow on with some other species. 



If this be impossible, the area should be burnt over, and 

 planting should be delayed for 2 or 3 years if the locality 

 be subject to the pest. 



The continental method of pulling the roots out of the 

 ground would not pay in this country. 



Furthermore, on stiff clay soils a change of cropping may 

 often be advisable. For instance, pure Scots Pine or Spruce 

 may have been originally planted, but at the end of the 

 rotation, the soil will be in a far better condition, and a more 

 valuable species can now be grown. For, to a large extent, 

 the soil will have become drained, and the decaying roots 

 of the old stumps will act as little water channels to assist in 

 the natural drainage, and many trees will now thrive whose 

 growth on maiden clay land is often inferior. 



5. The Season for Planting. 



Much difference of opinion exists as to the best season 

 for planting ; whether it should take place in the autumn or 

 in the spring. 



Under certain circumstances one or other of the seasons 

 has much to recommend it. 



The planting season extends from about the beginning 

 of October to the end of April. 



In all probability, the most favourable time for planting 



