54 MODES OF FOREST PLANTING. 
forming it, the kind and the size of plants, etc., are all 
dependent on circumstances, such as the surface soil, the 
subsoil, the state of the native vegetation, the climate, and 
exposure of the district, etc. 
There are three methods of planting generally practised 
throughout the country, namely, notch or slit planting ; pit 
planting ; and planting on trenched or prepared ground. 
Notch planting in moorland—The implements by which 
this operation is performed vary much in different parts of 
the country. Two sorts, however, are sufficient for notch- 
planting under every circumstance, namely the small planting 
spade or hand-iron, aud the common garden spade. The 
latter is improved for the purpose by being well worn down. 
The hand-iron here figured has a blade 
about seven inches long; its entire length 
is eighteen inches, and its weight is about 
two and a half pounds. The person using 
it should have a small bag, for carrying 
plants, tied round his waist. This spade 
should be struck into the ground with one 
hand in a slanting direction, which will 
make it penetrate more easily than when it 
is kept perpendicularly ; the plant is in- 
serted by the other hand, and is placed on 
the farther side of the hand-iron; and, by 
turning the turf a little to one side with the hand-iron, an 
opening is made for the roots. When the plant is put in, 
the ground forced up should receive a stamp with the foot, to 
make it firm. Moor or peat ground is naturally apt to con- 
tract and shrink during the heat of summer, and when plants 
are inserted by making a larger opening, the incision in some 
soils opens, and exposes the roots at a time when they are 
most apt to suffer. Persons planting with the hand-iron 
advance regularly, each keeping the exact distance from his 
neighbour that is required between the plants. An overseer 
follows after every ten or twelve planters, to see that none 
perform the work carelessly or slightly, in order to keep pace 
