86 ALGERIA 



prefer the use of pots, but this is too expensive; the main losses 

 with seedlings are due to the evaporation of the leaves before 

 the roots can get a hold, and where feasible the young plants 

 are thoroughly watered when set out. The chief species em- 

 ployed are: aleppo-pine seedlings; olive seed; carob-tree seed. 

 Autumn sowing or planting is usually before the rains set in. 



At Aran 98 per cent of the forestation has been accompHshed 

 by the use of aleppo pine. Here the brush is cleared in the 

 spring by strips and the soil left fallow until the autumn, when 

 the seed is sown. It is covered with a layer of soil 5 to 6 centi- 

 metres (about 2 inches) thick, and a protective cover of brush. 



The specifications ^^ for reforestation of 180 hectares (444 

 acres) in the forest of Bon Rahma (chefferie of Mostaganem) 

 were: complete brushing of strips, 2.50 metres (3 yards) wide, 

 separated by uncleared strips 10 metres (11 yards) wide. Sown: 

 122 kilos (268 pounds) of aleppo pine, 100 kilos (220 pounds) 

 of maritime pine, 150 kilos (330 pounds) of miscellaneous species, 

 or about 8 kilos (17 pounds) per hectare (2.5 acres). 



The seed is sown broadcast on the strips cleared and is lightly 

 worked 5 to 6 centimetres (about 2 inches) into the soil. The 

 cleared strips are then covered with brush. The total cost is 

 estimated at 9625.20 francs ($1857.66), or httle more than 53 

 francs ($10.23) an hectare (2.5 acres). On a near-by mountain 

 where the soil was very dry, they had to use aleppo-pine ball 

 plants. The local conservator's office recommends leaving 

 aleppo-pine seed for a few seconds in boihng water prior to 

 sowing. For dry clayey ground they are using the oHve; for 

 marls the thuya; for sandy soils the aleppo pine and Phoenician 

 juniper. 



The Hamiz reboisement area^^ is being forested with cork 

 oak and aleppo pine. Some 10 to 12 cork-oak acorns are sown 

 in seed spots 50 centimetres (20 inches) square and 50 centi- 

 metres (20 inches) deep, spaced 4 metres (4 yards) apart. 

 The brush is cleared on an area 2 metres (2 yards) square 

 around each spot, and must be cut back after 2 to 3 years to 



^^ Devis Descriptif, travaux neufs, Bon Rahma. 



38 Information furnished in the field by Ranger Henri Chazalette. 



