APPENDIX. 131 



where to secure success land must be trenched, but when 

 this is so the question of profit is a doubtful one. There are, 

 however, instances when preparation will lie between trench- 

 ing and simple slit planting ; and it may be well to deal with 

 a few typical cases. 



^i.) A Dry Heath with White Moss, and occasional Swamp 

 or Bog. 



To plant such without preparation will result in failure, 

 for as a rule the surface herbage is thick and dry, and even if 

 buried, will not decay. The course to adopt, we have found, 

 is to pare off the surface where the tree is to be planted and 

 to plant by pit or notch in the soil beneath. The surround- 

 ing herbage will serve as a protection from driving and cold 

 winds, and snow will press lightly upon the tender trees. 



If there be an iron-stone pan, or conglomerate stratum 

 within a foot or so of the surface it should be broken by the 

 pickaxe before planting. This process is often of great 

 value, and we know no better under given conditions. 



Beyond this little is required except to cut a few surface 

 drains in the wet places ; and the subject of drainage will be 

 considered as a preparation common to all conditions. 



Where the herbage is heavy it must of course be cut ; but 

 there should be no surface burning, as such destroys the 

 organic matter which trees need. 



(2.) Heath of belter Quality with Bushes of Gorse, Grass, 

 Fern, and other Herbage. 



The presence of such vigorous growth indicates a fairly 

 useful soil beneath, and probably the surface soil is suffi- 

 ciently deep to allow of direct planting by pit or notch. The 

 probability is that on such land there will be but little water; 

 and such as there may be will be readily removed by a few 

 simple drains. If the soil be deep, say eight or nine inches, 



