68 PLANTING. 



plough; the furrows were perfectly and regularly 

 •-s^iade, whilst the great balls of earth which bound 

 together the roots of the moor plants, now cut down, 

 were disintegrated, so as to loosen them. 



" Pines were mostly sown. As much as 1 kilo- 

 grammes per hectare were used of seeds of Finns syl- 

 iiestris, which was diversified with 1 2 kilogrammes per 

 hectare of a mixture of F. sylvestris and F. maritimus. 

 The ground so sown was harrowed to ensure regular 

 germination, which was very apparent in the second 

 year. But birches — useful for charcoal in the seventh 

 or eighth year after sowing — were also extensively 

 sown, as were alders. 



" Adding beauty to the landscape was a prominent 

 object, as well as profitable, in carrying out the estate 

 improvements. And here the success is very marked. 

 JSTumerous avenues of different species of noble trees 

 tempt alike the pedestrian and horseman ; while diver- 

 sified sheets of water, with curious islets, add variety 

 to the scene. In such moist spots great beds of osiers 

 grow, profitable both for the periodic crops won from 

 them, and for the shelter they afford to numerous 

 birds whose songs break the sylvan stillness. In the 

 flowering season rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias, and 

 other rare exotic shrubs add unique beauty to their 

 joyous surroundings. Besides, the climate is better; 

 the neighbouring barley or buckwheat is no longer 

 browned in a night, and regular showers of rain can 

 now be depended on. Country life is enjoyed, without 

 carking care about weather and crops. 



" The returns are ample on the capital expended. 

 Altogether, M. Eenard has spent about £20,000 on 

 the property; he has been offered £25,000 for, and 

 refused it.'' 



