SEED-BEDS AND NURSERIES. 



THE first maxim for this important stage in 

 the proceedings is to have ample room on a 

 good, decent and carefully prepared soil. The 

 second essential is the close proximity of a 

 stream or of wells from which reliable supplies 

 of water can be depended upon when needed. 

 If neither of these is available and water 

 exists underground then wells must be dug, for 

 water will probably be required for irrigation 

 purposes when least expected, and must there- 

 fore be provided as liberally as possible for 

 such a contingency. If water is scarce, 

 especially in the subsoil, the estate will run 

 but a poor chance of success. The third con- 

 sideration necessary in laying out your nurseries 

 is to choose a location as centrally situated as 

 possible, for an eye must be kept to ensure 

 the planting-out of the seedlings with the 

 least amount of handling and consequent root 

 damage. The shorter the distance, therefore, 

 that the seedlings have to be carried the 

 better. The nurseries should be on a very 

 gentle slope, if possible, to encourage good 

 drainage. Also extra care must be taken in 

 the clearing and cleaning of the area set aside 

 for them. All of the trees, stumps, and roots 



