DIEECT SOWINGS. 235 



It has been asserted that the ashes also add to the 



lightness of the soil, and in consequence surface 



firing can be practised without danger only in stiff 



soils. In the first place it must be observed that 



light 'soils are seldom overgrown with grass, at least 



with thick tufts. In the second place the ash 



produced by the combustion consists of very minute 



particles and, therefore, forms a stiff rather than 



light soil. Who has not seen heaps of wet- ashes, 



and who does not know that when they are dry it often 



requires a spade to break them ? Hence if the soil 



in question is wet and overgrown with tall grass, 



rushes, &c., the best course is, instead of direct 



sowing and the risk of having the seedlings choked 



up, to plant it up with medium and tall seedlings. 



As for draining, except in the case of stagnant 

 pools, it must be resorted to with great moderation. 

 The essential point is rather to appropriate the trees 

 to existing local conditions. A few ditches judi- 

 ciously dug ensure sufficient drainage, and it must 

 not be forgotten that it is very moist and even wet 

 soils which our most valuable species delight in; 

 for instance the peduncled oak, the ash, elm, horn- 

 beam, spruce fir, alder, &c. 



SEASON FOR SOWING. As a general rule the most 

 favourable moment for sowing is that indicated by 

 the shedding of seed. It is a natural indication 

 which it is useful to follow, but which it is not 



touched ; and in wet lands and cold climates it has the advantage 

 of keeping down the heather, which tends to render the soil peaty 

 and too acid for forest vegetation. 



