SAND DUNES 129 



In the case of sand dunes near the sea-shore, where the 

 sand is salt, the surface of the sand must be bound together 

 by planting or sowing various sand grasses, such as the 

 Marram Grass 1 (Psamma ( Ammophila) arenaria), Baltic 

 Marram (P. Balticd], the Sea Lyme Grass (Elymus arenarius)^ 

 and Sea Carex (Carex arenarid). 



Until a soil covering of grass or the like be obtained 

 and it will often grow naturally and until the sand has 

 been washed free from all salt, the planting of trees should 

 be deferred. When planting takes place, the marram grass, 

 etc., should be forked up where each tree is to be planted. 

 Then, as each tree is planted, it should be firmly trodden 

 in, and the marram grass placed round it, so as to act as a 

 mulch and keep off the sun. If the expense can be incurred, 

 a handful of good stiffish loam, inserted with each tree as 

 it is planted, will materially assist in assuring a good 

 start. 



Any trees intended for planting on barren sands should 

 have very fibrous roots ; and if 2- or 3-year-old plants (which 

 are the most suitable) be planted out, they should have been 

 transplanted every year in the nursery. They should be 

 finally planted out in the months of March and April. 



It is advisable, if possible, to have a nursery near the 

 sea and in a fairly exposed position, so as to acclimatise the 

 trees. 



In the case of Inland Sand Dunes, similar protective 

 methods must be adopted. The binding together of the 

 sand can be effected by various grasses and plants, such as 

 Couch Grass or Twitch, the Creeping Willow (Salix repens), 

 Salix arenaria, and the Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus sylvestris). 

 Sometimes Jerusalem artichokes are planted as " nurses " for 

 the young trees, and to prevent the sand from blowing about 

 Another plan sometimes adopted is to partially cover the 

 surface of the sand with faggots or other vegetable rubbish, 

 such as cut reeds, etc., and then to sow tree seeds, or else to 

 plant young trees. 



1 The marram grass will soon die as the surface of the sand becomes 

 stale. 



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