172 A1{TIF1('IAL FOinrAIIoN OF \V(>(>I»S. 



is a good pliiiit for one locality, may l)e only an inditVcifnt 

 ono for a locality of a different character. 



A further niodilication may be introduced o\vin,\' to the 

 cost of raising the plants and of planting them out. Plants 

 with naturally extensive root systems either cost much to 

 plant out, or the roots must be crowded together in an un- 

 natural position ; from this point of view a compact root 

 system may be considered as an essential point in a good 

 plant, though it may not be altogether in proportion to the 

 stem and crown. 



4. A<ic and Size <>/ Plants. 

 Plants aged from a few weeks up to ton and more years 

 may be planted out ; in fact the age is only limited by the 

 size and weight of the trees, and the mechanical appliances 

 available for the transfer. In sylviculture only young plants 

 under ten years of age need be considered. It may be said, 

 as a general rule, that young plants are best, because the 

 operation of planting is cheaper, the plants survive more 

 easily the interruption of growth involved in the change, 

 and they adapt themselves more readily to new conditions. 

 The best age for planting out depends on the species and 

 locality. Quick growing species can be planted out earlier 

 than slow growing ones. Some tropical species grow so 

 quickly that the most suitable age for transplanting may 

 be only a few weeks. In the temperate climate of Europe 

 yearlings, with the exception of Scotch pine and oak. are 

 only exceptionally planted out, as they are still too soft and 

 have incomplete root systems. In the great majority of 

 cases plants from two to four years old are used, while older 

 plants are indicated only in the case of a few species, or 

 where trees of some height are rcMjuired, as in pastures, in 

 frost localities, for lilling up blanks in already fornied plan- 

 tations, to become the overwood in coppice with standards, 

 to enable one species to hold its own against another of 

 quicker growth, for avenues, etc. 



