RAISING PLANTS IN NUKSERIES. 19:3 



a. Clioicp of Site. 



The site should be favourable for the growth of the 

 particular kinds of plants which are required. If only one 

 species or a few of similar requirements are wanted, a site 

 can be chosen which agrees with their special requirements as 

 regards soil and situation. In the majority of cases, however, 

 plants of differing requirements are to be raised, and it is there- 

 fore best to choose a site of average conditions. 



The most suitable soil is a light or sandy loam. Heavy 

 clay should be avoided, as it is less suitable than even a light 

 sandy soil. Good depth is essential, as it insures a more even 

 degree of moisture. 



As regards situation, the site should, if possible, be in the 

 centre of the area where the planting has to be done ; but if 

 no suitable locality is there available, it is better to go to a 

 moderate distance in search of it. The site should be accessible 

 and easy of control. A gentle slope is best, or an elevated 

 level plain ; in either case it should not be exposed to danger 

 from frost, especially late spring frost, fairly sheltered, but 

 open to the free circulation of air. The aspect depends on 

 circumstances, especially latitude and elevation. In temperate 

 Europe the least favourable aspects are probably an eastern or 

 south-eastern (on account of late frosts) and a southern or 

 south-western (on account of the rapid evaporation of 

 moisture). 



The site should, if possible, be so chosen, that water can be 

 led on to it from a spring or stream, or that at any rate 

 water may be found at a reasonable depth for the construction 

 of a well. 



h. Area. 



This depends on the species, the method of treatment, the 

 number of plants, whether they are pricked out or not, and 

 the age at which they are finally removed. It is clear that no 

 general rule can be given. By way of illustration it may be 

 mentioned that for raising two-year-old seedlings of Scotch 



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