SHELTER FOR DECIDUOUS TREES. 



151 



thick planting has been recommended as a mean of 

 attaining it as early as possible. This contrivance, 

 if it deserves the name, is the only one that can be 

 had recourse to, in the case of firs, as there is no 

 other species that can, with propriety, be interposed 

 between them and the blast, they being themselves 

 the hardiest and quickest growing trees we possess. 

 In raising deciduous trees, however, circumstances 

 are different, and instead of leaving them unprotect- 

 ed till their own advancement in growth qualify 

 them for turning aside the force of the wind from 

 one another, we may easily have shelter in readiness 

 before we plant them. 



In a foregoing section, the propriety of planting- 

 firs as nurses among deciduous trees was pointed 

 out. Such a practice is attended with a great sav- 

 ing, as it precludes the necessity of planting more of 

 the latter in any given extent of ground, than may 

 be supposed capable of filling it, so as to leave no 

 spare room when they have attained their full size. 

 Instead, however, of putting nurses and nurselings 

 into the ground at the same time, as is commonly 

 done, it is much better to plant the one several years 

 before the other. The firs will, by that time, have 

 grown to the height of from three to six feet, and 

 will be in a capacity to protect effectually from the 



