THINNING MIXED PLANTATIONS. 197 



back and front, which is, in comparison, but a feeble 

 instrument. The difference and advantage of the one 

 over the other can only be found out in using it. 



Pruning was performed at the same time as the 

 thinning, and cost 5s. per acre, or Is. per 100 trees. 

 The principal requirements in pruning here were to 

 relieve double stems and double tops, to clear the trunks 

 of lateral branches to one- third of their height, to remove 

 decayed branches, and to cut over injured or decayed 

 trees. 



Owing to the sickly and generally unhealthy state 

 of the larch, it was thinned out with a free hand to 

 the number of about 550 trees per acre, including 

 decayed ones. Out of this number only 2500 trees 

 in all were of a sufficient size for net-stakes, the others 

 being inferior, and fit only for pea-stakes or training- 

 rods, for which there was no demand in the district. 



The Scots pines were thinned out to the number of 

 400 per acre, none of which were of any use ; for though 

 some of them were large enough for net-stakes, they 

 were too soft for that purpose. 



Spruces were thinned out to the number of 400 per 

 acre : 10 out of every 100 were fit for and made into 

 net-stakes, but were much inferior to the larch, and 

 sold at one-fourth less money. 



Including hardwoods and all sorts, 1500 trees in all 

 per acre were thinned out, leaving the crop upon the 

 ground at 5 to 6 feet apart, being at least twice the 

 number that should have stood upon the ground at the 

 time, if they had been properly clothed with branches. 

 Owing to the latter defect they were thinned sparingly. 



The work of thinning cost at the rate of 40s. per 

 acre, or 2s. 8 d. per 100 trees. This included pruning, 

 collecting, and carrying out useful thinnings only (not 



