PLANTING 13 



separate blocks of eight acres each had been 

 clear-cut and replanted, the probabilities of 

 success would have been increased. The larger 

 the size of the plantations the more easily disease 

 spreads, and the free circulation of the air in 

 the centre of large plantations is difficult. 



Plantations in the middle of larger woods 

 should not be of a very small size, such as an 

 acre or less. The tall trees of the rest of the 

 wood surround small plots of ground like walls, 

 excluding unduly light and air. Also the fog 

 and mist collect in small plots. 



Fencing with rabbit-proof netting is a great 

 addition to the cost of a plantation and is very 

 frequently useless. Unless the netting is regu- 

 larly inspected the rabbits will make burrows 

 under it. In winter the snow drifts against the 

 netting and the rabbits walk over it. Constant 

 warfare against the rabbits is a much better 

 protection to the young trees than netting. 

 Snares will thin the numbers of the rabbits, but 

 will not exterminate them. Ferrets must be 

 also employed. A landowner, before he plants 

 land near the estate of a neighbour who does 

 not keep down the rabbits, should consider very 

 carefully if there is much probability that a 

 plantation in that position will be renumerative. 



