THE FORESTATION PROBLEM 83 



each spot is artificially drained. At least 6 to 9 acorns, treated 

 with alumina, are planted in each spot, since some loss is ex- 

 pected from rats, rabbits, and partridges. Wide spacing, 5 by 5 

 metres (5.5 by 5.5 yards), is recommended in order to reduce 

 the cost per hectare (2.5 acres) to 150 francs ($28.95). On the 

 same soil, 8-months-old aleppo-pine seedlings, raised in a purely 

 local nursery, were planted on mounds prepared in advance. 

 From 3 to 4 seedlings were placed in the same mound, as a pre- 

 caution against total loss. The entire planting site was pro- 

 tected by a cleared fire line. During a favorable year 75 to 95 

 per cent of the stock survives, but during a drought less than 

 one-half remains alive; and curiously enough the best success 

 has been obtained along the ridges where the air can circulate. 

 The object of the planting is an endeavor to modify the climate 

 of Constantine rather than to raise a commercial forest. 



At Bainen, near Algiers, forestation has been undertaken 

 on a large scale since 1880, partly to furnish a recreation forest 

 and partly to temper the Algiers climate. The cost of this 

 planting has averaged at least 100 francs ($19.30) per hectare 

 (2.5 acres), notwithstanding the fact that fagots from the 

 brush cleared sell for 2 francs ($0.386) per 100. It is chiefly 

 cork oak and aleppo pine, although some eucalyptus (globulus 

 and red gum), pifion, and juniper have been tried on a small 

 scale. The eucalyptus is limited to the best soils. 



The cork oak and aleppo pine are sown and planted in strips 

 0.80 metre (31 inches) wide and 2 to 2.5 metres (2 to 3 yards) 

 apart. These strips run on contours, so as to collect and hold 

 all surplus water; 2 to 3 acorns are placed in each hole, but 

 only one aleppo-pine seedling i year old. No brush cover is 

 used. The young stands are cut by lo-metre (n-yard) fire lines, 

 which, by the way, should have been planned before the planta- 

 tion was begun, instead of being cut through the young sapling 

 stands. Certain stands have been pruned as a further protective 

 measure. 



At the Bois de Boulogne nursery at Mustapha Superieur, 

 above Algiers, i-year cedar seedlings have been raised. The 

 Eucalyptus (globulus) is transplanted, two months after sowing, 



