212 ELEMENTS OF SYLVICULTUEE . 



to bring the subsoil to the surface ; for not having 

 undergone weather influences, it does not contain 

 elements capable of assimilation. Deep cultivation 

 is justified by the fact that it admits air into the soil, 

 causes the roots to develop rapidly, and while per- 

 mitting the infiltration of rain-water, opposes 

 drought. This is a fact proved by experience, and 

 the reason of it is, moreover, clear. 



If this turning up of the soil produces more 

 vigorous seedlings, it presents, on the other hand, 

 the danger of favouring equally the development of 

 herbaceous vegetation. For this reason it is pru- 

 dent to obtain previously one or two agricultural 

 crops, preference being given to plants which require 

 hoeing and weeding, such as the potato, Indian 

 corn, &c. Afterwards only should plots be laid out 

 to receive forest seeds. 



To this end the nursery is divided off into beds 

 running in the direction of the slope of the ground. 

 They are given an average breadth of three feet, and 

 are separated by paths one foot wide. Lastly, the 

 paths are made to terminate on roads which divide 

 the nursery into compartments. The seed is sown 

 in the beds either broadcast or in furrows. The 

 former method may be adopted when the seedlings 

 are to be transplanted into nursery lines before 

 being finally put out, or are to be put out in patches 

 of several together at the age of one year. But it is 

 nearly always preferable to sow in trenches or 

 furrows running parallel to the width of the beds. 



For large seeds these trenches are made with the 

 spade. For small seeds, and generally for those 



