TEEE CULTUEE IN SOUTH AUSTKALIA. 23 



They would thus shelter one another at an early age, which would 

 establish a straight growth permanently, and the poorest specimens would 

 be thinned out from time to time as became necessary. On such sites, 

 therefore, I have to advise that the young plants be inserted at about a 

 distance of 5ft. one from another all over the ground forming the 

 plantation. 



On such portions of the coimtry which may be classed as moderately 

 exposed, and lyiny at average elevations, the trees should be planted at 

 6ft. apart in the rows. In such situations also, trees require some artificial 

 shelter for a few years until they have established themselves upon the 

 ground, and this will be secured by planting at the distance named. 



The next and last description of country to which I have referred is 

 that of the low-lying and sheltered spots. In such situations, it need 

 hardly be remarked, trees grow much more rapidly, and require less 

 attention and care than on the other kinds of country specially mentioned. 

 Taking everything into consideration, therefore, I have to recommend 

 that 8ft. apai-t is about the proper distance at which young trees should 

 be planted in situations of the kind in this country. 



There is a strong inclination amongst the people of this country to 

 plant their trees at wide distances apart — say at from 16ft. to 25ft. In 

 an ornamental point of view, the system is a correct one, but as regards 

 the production of timber, no greater mistake could be made in forestry. 

 By planting at wide distances apart, every encouragement is given to the 

 trees to spread out and develop theii- branches ; consequently a small 

 stunted and gnarled stem is the result when they come to be cut down. 

 Whereas, by planting thickly and thus confining the branches, fine, 

 straight, and superior timber is secured. Fig. 1 represents the form trees 

 assume when planted widely apart ; and Fig. 2 their character imder the 

 system of close planting. 



