48 Formation of Coverts. 



without letting in the wind too suddenly. The oakf?, ashes, 

 beeches, etc., may be allowed to stand wherever they do not 

 injure a thriving pine or fir. The larches only are a dangerous 

 temptation to the pheasants at roosting time. Their perfectly 

 horizontal branches, and the considerable amount of shelter 

 which their numerous twigs and regular head afford to the 

 birds, induce many to perch in them ; whereas j'^oung oaks, 

 ashes, etc., attract very few indeed. If the plantation 

 consisted entirely of resinous trees, so that none of the 

 last-mentioned hardwood trees are present, then we have 

 to consider what is to be done to fill up the vacancies. If 

 the soil be tolerably moist and fertile, I would recommend 

 that all the larger openings be filled with the best and 

 strongest plants of silver fir that can be procured — say from 

 two to three feet in height. Let a cluster of three or more 

 of these be planted in pits, carefully prepared with spade and 

 pickaxe, about five feet asunder, in the centre of every 

 opening ; for it is a pity to waste such plants in closer 

 proximity to tall pines and spruces. If there be room for 

 only one silver fir, let only one be planted. This species is 

 not very liable to be nibbled by hares and rabbits if protected 

 for the first year. Let the branches of the felled larches, 

 with which the ground must still be half covered, be drawn 

 around these young plants without delay, for very little will 

 suffice to turn the enemy aside. 



" Silver firs are very preferable to spruces or pines for 

 filling up vacancies, for these latter, when drawn up slender 

 by shade and shelter, are sure to be ruined by hares and 

 rabbits, whereas the silver fir is of a different habit and will 

 not be drawn up in the same manner, nor is its taste so 

 attractive to the marauders. It also bears being removed 

 large from the nursery, with very little injury or check to its 

 growth. Consequently large plants of it, with earth adhering, 

 though somewhat costly, are well worth their price to the 

 planter who knows where and how to use them. Around 

 these, and nearer to the tall pines and spruces, may be tried 



