IMPORTANT LOCAL PLANTING. 89 



groujid is chiefly covered with heather {Erica) and cran- 

 hfirry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus), and a small portion of it 

 with broom (Spartium). 



The principal object in forming this plantation was 

 with a view to pecuniary profit. In consequence of 

 the rugged and rocky surface of the ground, combined 

 with the coldness of the climate, it could never be 

 turned to profitable account for tillage ; nor would it, 

 in all probability, have ever exceeded its present value 

 as an outrun for the adjoining tenant's sheep, or as a 

 shooting for grouse and other game. The value of the 

 ground for sheep pasture was variously estimated at 

 from Is. to 2s. per acre. While the tenants occupied 

 it, they maintained that it was not worth Is. per acre ; 

 but when about to lose it for planting, they offered 2s. 

 per acre for it. Hence it may be assumed that it was 

 worth the latter sum. 



Unclosing. — The plantation was enclosed with a 

 turf dyke and rail on top on one side, and a four-bar 

 post and rail mortised paling on the other. 



The quality of the soil is generally a light sandy 

 moss, but varies in depth and quality. There are also 

 a few deep mossy parts, and also some where sandy 

 clay prevails. 



Before commencing operations of planting, several 

 plant-beds were duly prepared, each sufficiently large 

 to contain three or four loads of plants, lined out in 

 rows. The plants, when taken forward in carts, were 

 all loosed out of the bundles, and as carefully and 

 neatly " sheughed " into the ground as if they were 

 intended to stand for several months. In preparing 

 the ground, the stones were all picked out and the 

 soil well pulverised, so as to adhere to and fall closely 

 in about the necks of the plants on being sheughed m. 



