158 ARTIFICIAL FORMATION OF WOODS. 



appointment unless executed under specially favourable cir- 

 cumstances. The soil must be naturally free and capable 

 of retaining moisture near the surface ; the seed must 

 germinate readily and be sown in large quantities ; the 

 locality must be free from climatic extremes, and the surface 

 of the ground not very steep, or the seed may be washed 

 away ; the seedlings must be hardy. Such a combination 

 of conditions is only exceptionally met with. 



As a general rule the soil requires some cultivation before 

 the seed is sown. This can sometimes be at once under- 

 taken; in other cases it must be preceded by the removal 

 of an objectionable covering. 



Removal of Surface Covering. — This may consist of shrubs, 

 weeds, reeds, or excessive layers of moss and leaf mould. It 

 may be removed, according to circumstances, with billhooks, 

 knives, scythes, rakes, hoes, or by hand. The refuse may be 

 used for litter or other purposes, or it may be burned when 

 dry, the ashes being scattered over the area. If the covering 

 is sufficiently dry, the area may be burned over without 

 previously collecting the material, care being taken that the 

 Ih'e does not spread into adjoining woods. 



In the case of a short weed growth, or a moderate layer 

 of moss or raw humus, it need not be previously removed, 

 but may be dealt with simultiineously with the loosening of 

 the soil. 



Cultiration, or Loosodng tJw Soil. — This can be done in a 

 variety of ways, according to the required depth of cultivation. 

 The tools used are principally the following : — 



For superficial loosening or so- 1 The rake, harrow, or a 



called icoundimj of the soil .) light hoe. 

 For moderately deep cultivation . The hoe. 

 For deep cultivation . . . The plough, or spade. 



Sitjierjicidl looseiuiuj or ivtnindiiui the soil is indicated on 

 localities which are already of a fairly loose consistency, and 

 covered with a moderate amount of turf, moss, or leaves. 



