2d4- CHOICK OF MKTHOI) OF FORMATION. 



should be propagated in llic case of clear cuttings by planting 

 and not bj' direct sowing. In such cases it is much easier 

 and cheaper to provide the necessary tending and protection 

 in a compact nursery than on an extensive forest block. Under 

 shelter-woods direct sowing may be preferable. 



Hardy species, which grow slowly during youth, should be 

 planted ; those of fast and early development may be sown 

 direct, if this be desirable on other grounds. 



The shape of the root system is also of importance. Species 

 which develop a compact and comparatively shallow root system 

 are much easier to plant than those which at once develop a 

 deep going tap root ; for the latter, direct sowing may be advis- 

 able. Long tap roots, however, may be pruned, or the seedlings 

 raised in such a manner that they are forced to develop a 

 compact root system ; at the same time either alternative may 

 be of doubtful expediency. 



Mixed woods should be established by planting, as a proper 

 mixture of the species is rarely practicable by direct sowing ; 

 at any rate some of the species must be planted. Frequently 

 it is desirable to give one species a start over another, and 

 this can be done in a satisfactory manner liy tlie use of large 

 plants. 



In the case of some species, as for instance oak, many 

 foresters maintain that direct sowing gives more vigorous and 

 better trees, but this depends to a large extent on the soil and 

 climate, and also on the size of plants used. 



If sowing of acorns is not advisable for other reasons, the 

 planting of one or two years old oak seedlings close together 

 is likely to yield just as good oak trees as direct sowing. 



4. Conditions of Locality. 



As a general rule it may be said, that planting is preferable 

 whenever the conditions of the locality are unfavourable, 

 especially where extremes of soil and climate prevail, while in 

 a favourable locality direct sowing may yield eijually good, 

 and in the ease of some species even better, results. 



