STRIP SOWING. 257 



increase the proportion of an actually present species. The inter- 

 vals may be equally wide in fodder preserves, where the ohject ot 

 raising lines of trees or shrubs is to stimulate the production of 

 grass. Under most of the other conditions the width of the un- 

 cultivated intervals will range from 2 to 10 feet, the more usual 

 figures ranging from 4 to 6 feet. 



4. Width of the strips. 



The width of the strips themselves will depend 



(i) On the tendency of the soil to be overrun with a tall or 

 dense growth of tenacious invasive weeds or inferior woody species. 



(ii) On the the rapidity with which young individuals of the 

 species to be propagated are expected to grow up under the given 

 conditions of soil, locality and culture. 



(iii) On the hardy or delicate constitution of those individuals. 

 The more delicate they are, the closer together, consistent with 

 condition (i), must lie the sheltering edges of the bordering uncul- 

 tivated intervals. 



(iv) On the nature of the soil and locality. The strips will be 

 narrow in proportion to the intensity of solar radiation, the 

 severity of frosts, the dryness or tendency to overheating of the 

 soil, the violence, dryness or extreme temperature of prevailing 

 winds, &c. In cold wet soils and situations or in mist-clad locali- 

 ties, the strips must catch as much sun as possible and must, there- 

 fore, be made comparatively wide. So again, if the climate is mild 

 and the soil forcing, other circumstances not being prohibitory, the 

 strips should be given a certain width. 



(V) On the light-demanding nature of the seedlings. The more 

 shade-enduring they are, the narrower may be the strips. For 

 instance, tun, if other circumstances permit, may be sown over the 

 width of a hoe. 



(vi) On the indifference of the species to the presence of 

 weeds. 



As a rule, the strips should seldom be less than 1 foot, or more 

 than 3 feet, wide, the more usual width approaching 2 feet. 



5. Preparation of the strips. 



Whenever the nature of soil, locality and existing vegetation 

 permit, ploughs with a broad share, or the bullock hoe (Fig. 19), 

 the ordinary rake-harrow (Fig 20), or the triangular harrow (Fig. 

 21) should be used. Where the employment of these expeditious 

 implements is not possible, hand tools must be used as already 

 described on pp. 248-250 ; only, since we here break up a mere 



