1922.] 



Hedge and Stlmp Clearing. 



7 



Where any considerable amount of work is involved hand- 

 methods would prove too expensive and proti-acted, and a 

 mechanical device or explosives should be used. The 

 advantages of explosives are low cost, clean extraction and 

 shattering of the timber, and unlimited capacity. Their use 

 is, however, restricted by the proximity of buildings, roads, 

 and railways, and there must ahvays be a certain amount of 

 danger to the operator. This last, however, can be almost 

 entirely eliminated by proper precautions. There can be no 

 doubt that for operations upon a large scale, explosives provide 

 the most rapid and economical means of removing stumps. 



If time is not an important factor, and the plan is to clear 

 a large area gradually, mechanical appliances will compete in 

 efficiency and economy with explosives. Where heavy timber 

 is present, machines of the types of the De Jersey and Hercules 

 should prove suitable, although neither type is likely to remove 

 light hedge grow-th economically as compared w^ith a tractor 

 (steam or motor) provided with a winding di'um. The 

 necessity for anchoring, the restricted capacity of the grab 

 attachments in dealing with a number of small stumps, the 

 amount of winding necessary, w^hatever the resistance offered, 

 are all factors, which by increasing cost in proportion to the 

 volume of timber lifted limit the economic use of the former 

 types of machine. The choice of methods is therefore largely 

 dependent upon the relative proportions of light, medium, and 

 heavy timber. Where all is light, the tractor may be recom- 

 mended: where all is heavy, a machine of the De Jersey or 

 Hercules type; where there is a mixture, it is a matter for the 

 judgment of the person undertaking the work. 



Without capital, it is impossible to clear any large area of 

 land quickly, and in most instances economy and convenience 

 dictate that the work of clearing should be restricted to a few 

 chains a year. Where more than this is attem.pted, it is 

 necessarv' to weigh up very carefully the cost and the increased 

 revenue that will be obtained. This is a problem that can only 

 be decided in each individual case. 



The full report should be read by anyone who contemplates 

 a substantial amount of hedge clearing or stump extracting. 

 ^Tethods are explained in detail and costs worked out minutely. 

 With this information before him, it should be possible for the 

 reader to determine the most economical method to be adopted 

 in anv given circumstances. 



This report is the fivst of a series which the "Ministry proposes 

 to publish on specific agricultural operations, A report on 



