170 THINNING. 



out charge. Having first determined upon the base- 

 line as the starting-point, the whole subsequent opera- 

 tions of reading were carried on by means of the cross- 

 staff and poles used in land-measuring. In the midst 

 of a dense forest or large plantation like this, it is im- 

 possible to carry the lines straight and parallel with- 

 out some squaring instrument, of which the cross- 

 staff is the most convenient for practical use amongst 

 common labourers. The reason why it is desirable to 

 have the reading done before thinning is commenced, 

 is in order to guide the latter operation. Any one 

 practically acquainted with thinning young planta- 

 tions, knows the unpleasant effects of a bewildering 

 and interminable thicket, and the confinement and 

 want of air and light. I conclude that ten men do 

 as much work in one month, in a well-roaded and 

 properly laid-off plantation, as they would do in six 

 weeks in one. without such roads or openings. An- 

 other reason for making the roads the first work in 

 connection with thinning is to afford facilities to the 

 keepers for killing rabbits and game. I : recommend 

 making all the roads straight and parallel with each 

 other, as far at least as the nature of the ground will 

 admit. The advantages of the parallel straight roads 

 are also experienced during the cover -shooting, by 

 affording the beaters the opportunity of coming into 

 line at the end of every lOO.yards;, and the roads 

 themselves determine the distances at which the guns 

 are to be placed. Straight and parallel lines of roads, 

 though recommended, cannot always be carried out in 

 practice. Eoads leading up-hill must, of course, be 

 wiiiding or serpentine ; and as no road can be led 

 through a morass or swamp, or over a precipice, all 

 such places must be avoided, and this cannot be done 



