STOCKING THE GEOUND 125 



Planting with the semicircular spade is very similar, 

 holes being made and plants, which have been lifted by 

 the same spade, inserted and made firm. 



Shelter Belts. 



On exposed areas it is always wise to give protection 

 to the main crop, especially if it is composed of shallow- 

 rooted or the more tender species. The shelter belt, 

 which should be from 20 to 30 feet wide, should be 

 planted, if possible, two or three years before the rest of 

 the area. 



The trees most useful for the purpose are those with 

 deep roots and strong side-branches, such as Scots Pine, 

 Austrian Pine, and Sycamore. The two latter are 

 perhaps the best, and when mixed afford splendid pro- 

 tection to the trees behind. They should be planted 

 from 5 to 6 feet apart, to encourage side-growth, and 

 should be kept thin. 



The two outside rows may be pure Austrian Pine, 

 with the two species mixed equally in the other rows. 



Against sparks from railway-engines, coniferous planta- 

 tions should be protected by a wide belt of hardwood 

 trees. 



Eotation of Crop. 



Local demands will help to a great extent to enable 

 the landowner or forester to come to a decision on this 

 point, dependent, of course, upon the quality of soil, as 

 poor soil will not support a crop for such a long rotation 

 as one of better quality. 



