PLANTING 29 



that when the tops rise above the sheltered lines 

 of fences and hedges they are better able to 

 withstand adverse influences. 



Soil preparation in all its various phases em- 

 braces a wide and extensive range of thought 

 and of detail which cannot be fully treated upon 

 here. The reader who seeks to acquire a further 

 knowledge of this subject is advised to study the 

 numerous works of competent authorities on soils, 

 horticulture, agriculture, and forestry. A few 

 only of the main points will be cursorily dealt with. 



In the first place, a thorough and complete 

 drainage system should be carried out, and there 

 are few soils but what will require some little 

 attention in this way. 



A good system of land drainage adds to the 

 available depth of soil, giving to the trees a firmer 

 roothold and opportunities of developing their 

 subterranean parts ; and increases the productive 

 capacity of the soil, the effects of which cause a 

 healthier and more luxuriant growth of stem, 

 branches, and foliage. 



When drain pipes are laid in the soil in which 

 trees are afterwards planted, they become after a 

 time filled with their roots and rendered ineffec- 

 tive ; this is especially the case with the Ash and 

 some other species of trees. An open system of 

 drainage is a good one to follow, where it can be 

 done. 



