DIEECT SOWINGS. 233 



cannot be denied that grass seeds are liable to spread 

 into cultivated bands. But it is especially on slopes 

 that this kind of cultivation asserts its superiority ; 

 the intact bands maintain the soil in its place, 

 whereas complete cultivation would cause it to slip ; 

 the bands of loosened soil render the ground perme- 

 able to water, which they retain like so many 

 trenches ; dead leaves and detritus of all kinds accu- 

 mulate and decompose near the seedlings ; lastly, 

 the seeds are not washed away by rain. 



If the surface of the ground presents obstacles, or 

 if it is required to economise labour and seeds, the 

 patch method is adopted. Here the hoe is used. 

 The patches are made square with a side of from 

 twelve to twenty inches, and are disposed as nearly as 

 possible along regular lines. Care is taken that turf is 

 thrown upon the southern side on level ground, and 

 on the lower edge on slopes. The distance between 

 the patches varies with the species of trees and the 

 difficulties which the ground presents. 



In all these three methods of cultivation, it is im- 

 portant to loosen the soil thoroughly and at the same 

 time to avoid bringing the deeper layers up to the 

 surface. It is always advantageous to begin work 

 the preceding autumn when it is desired to sow 

 in spring, in order that the soil may be subjected 

 to atmospheric action, and be more favourable to 

 vegetation. 



In connection with the cultivation of the soil, 

 naturally come the subjects of surface-firing and 

 drainage. A few words will suffice to indicate the 

 extent of their importance. 



