CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS—MAY. 9 
MAY. 
See that the fences around plantations are in a secured 
state ; and that no herbage or undergrowth interferes with the 
progress of the plants. Clean hedges, clear out open drains, 
and turn over decayed leaves and compost heaps. 
Drain land for the plantations of next season, and erect 
sufficient fences. 
In planting land which has formerly produced timber, the 
soil requires to be much exposed to the influence of the 
weather; capacious pits should therefore be formed at this 
season ; and all old roots cleared out which appear at the 
edges of the pits. Form similar pits throughout all woods 
where the standing trees are not close enough to develop the 
resources of the soil, Prepare for barking oak. Towards the 
end of this month in some situations the sap will circulate 
sufficiently to render coppice and standard oaks fit for that 
operation ; the earlier in the season the timber is removed, 
and the stools dressed, the more vigorous will be the suc- 
ceeding growth. 
In the nursery, complete, if possible, the sowing of all sorts 
of pine and fir seeds during the first or second week of this 
month (see directions for last month). During dry weather 
employ the hoes and rakes vigorously in the killing of weeds. 
Weed seed-beds. Crop vacant lots with turnips or other 
green crops, using byre or stable manure well decomposed ; 
this is least apt to create disease in the ground. 
JUNE. 
Continue the forest work recommended for last month ; 
urge forward the barking operations with all possible speed, 
taking every precaution to prevent the infusion of bark by wet 
weather. 
The seeds of the wych or Scotch elm are usually perfected 
and fit for sowing during the first or second weeks of this 
