DIRECT SOWING : IN PATCHES. 



165 



inteiTupted strips, which are from 1 to 2 feet hroacl and 

 perhaps from 3 to 10 feet long. The distance hetween the 

 patches depends on the same considerations as in the case 

 of strip sowing. 



The method is cheaper than the regular strip sowing ; it 

 enables the forester, 

 on uneven or rock}' 

 soil, to select the most 

 suitable spots for the 

 seed beds, a matter of 

 greater moment than 

 a mathematically even 

 distribution of the 

 patches. 



The working of the 

 soil is l)est done with the 

 hoe ; on stony soil hoes 

 with narrow and very 

 strong blades are used, 

 or even the pick ma}' 

 be required. The seed 

 is covered with the 

 rake or by hand, or by 

 scattering earth over it. 



The method is well 

 adapted for rocky soils, 

 and localities which 

 still contain the stumps 

 and roots of a former 

 crop of trees. It is 

 less to be recommended 

 for wet soil, as the water is likely to collect on the seedbeds ; 

 this would, on the other hand, be an advantage in localities 

 with a scanty rainfall. Where a strong growth of tall weeds 

 is apprehended, the patches must be of sufficient size to 

 prevent the plants from being overgrown. 



Fig. 37. 

 a, a. Sown patches. 



