290 PLANTS PROPER FOR UT^DERWOOD. 



be reared much sooner than could be done by re- 

 planting the ground after the fall of the old wood. 

 It is, of course, only in fir plantations, that the pre- 

 caution of planting underwood, with a view to a suc- 

 cession crop, can be necessary, as other species renew 

 themselves by the shoots sent forth from their stools. 



In conclusion, it may be necessary to remark, that 

 there are many of the shrubs and trees enumerated 

 above as proper for underwood, which it would be 

 unsafe to plant at the same time with the principal 

 crop. The latter must be allowed to make consider- 

 able progress, before we venture to introduce ma- 

 terials, which, intended for a subordinate purpose, 

 might take the lead. In a plantation not more than 

 twenty years old, there is no occasion for underwood, 

 either for ornament, or for the sake of game, as the 

 branches then are near enough the ground to pre- 

 vent the bad effect which is produced by bare lofty 

 stems, and to afford abundant cover for whatever 

 animals frequent the woods. Among trees of that 

 age, but not among younger ones, we may begin 

 with safety to propagate any kind of plants that can 

 contribute to give a forest, in an advanced state of 

 growth, closeness or beauty. 



