APPENDIX. 



47 



out the rabbits, and in about two years' time the 

 burnt part will hold again. 



In order to avoid the risk of destroying the 

 roots by the fire when the gorse is not very 

 high and the soil light or peaty, it is well to 

 select a dry day with a fairish breeze, and to 

 burn down wind ; the flames will then run 

 quickly through the heads of the bushes and 

 leave the roots untouched. A high rampike 

 covert in a stiff soil should be burnt against the 

 wind or on a calm day. 



About Christmas or early in January is a 

 good time to burn the gorse, before the sap 

 gets up, this gives the plant time to recover 

 from the shock, and the young shoots get 

 the benefit of the fresh ashes. 



If burnt too late in the spring the budding 

 of the young sprouts is retarded, and, more- 

 over, weeds of all sorts spring quickly up, 

 partially smother them, and prevent them 

 spreading. 



If possible do not sow gorse seed where there 

 is bracken, as the latter will soon run up, 

 and not only smother the shoots but spoil the 

 covert by keeping it damp. 



