monteath's forester's guide. 143 



far, and the ashes from becoming white and light, 

 as in this case a considerable part of their \irtiies is 

 dissipated. This ploughing, drpng, and burning, 

 being performed as early in the summer as the wea- 

 ther will permit, the earth under the ashes is imme- 

 diately dug over, from two to four feet in breadth, 

 and mixed with the ashes, and the follomng spring 

 the planting is performed. In situations where Mr 

 Monteath's plough could not be w^orked to advan- 

 tage, these minor drains may be formed by the 

 spade ; and in heathy peat soils, not requiiiug drains, 

 the biuning of the heathy turfs on the site of the 

 plants might be efficacious in correcting the tannin, 

 and in reducing and enriching the soil within the im- 

 mediate reach of the young plant, vvhich would thus 

 acquire strength to subdue the more distant part, and 

 gradually reduce and form the whole into soil capable 

 of affording healthy nourishment. 



We also approve of the plan mentioned by Mr 

 Monteath, for covering vnth timber, rocks or stony 

 ground, so bare of soil as not to admit of plantings 

 by means of placing seeds in the crevices, or on the 

 shelves of the rock, and scraping together a little 

 mould to cover them; or, when practicable, pla- 

 cing the seeds in the middle of the mould. Here, 

 however, we think he errs, in recommending the 



