4 PLANTING. 



be fully successful in planting we need a local as well 

 as a general experience. A forester entering upon a 

 new situation, for example, will be all the wiser for 

 waiting a complete round of the seasons before doing 

 much either in planting or thinning. The climate 

 requires close observation ; the soil must be well 

 studied ; and the natural enemies, whether quadrupeds 

 or insects, which are liable to attack the trees, have to 

 be carefully considered and dealt with. To learn and 

 understand the power and influences of all that sur- 

 rounds us in nature, is more difficult by far than to 

 read books or listen to human instructions. 



The objects of planting are usually manifold — 

 such as affording shelter to crops and farm stock, pro- 

 viding covert for game and foxes, embellishing and 

 beautifying the landscape, ameliorating the climate, 

 and, most practical of all, supplying the district with 

 wood and timber, and remunerating the proprietor for 

 the outlay of his capital. It is seldom, perhaps, that 

 any single plantation is expected or intended to fulfil 

 all these requirements ; but as this is not an impos- 

 sible combination, it must be evident that, in order to 

 plant with any degree of certainty, much forethought 

 and consideration are required, and also no small 

 experience. 



The form and outline of a plantation are matter for 

 wise consideration ; and not only the boundary-line 

 and appearance when young, it must also be looked at 

 through the vista of coming years, and in its state of 

 maturity and old age. It should likewise be viewed 

 prospectively in connection with other plantations and 

 all other surroundings — such as hills, valleys, rocks, 

 lakes, rivers, roads, and fields — and should bear a due 

 proportion to the general features and objects of the 



