250 



THE PLANTEE's GUIDE. 



of attention and diversity of labour are not demanded by 

 the latter, as by the former style of plantation. 



In the foregoing three Sections, the method has been 

 pointed out of preparing and planting close woods, which 

 in their handsomest form consist of standard or grove 

 trees, with underwood intermixed. Such plantations 

 having been previously trenched and manured to a potato 

 crop, are in a state of preparation far exceeding any that 

 can be obtained for open groups, and still more for 

 detached or single trees. One advantage above all others 

 they possess, and that is, that the plants which compose 

 them form a complete shelter to one another, and thereby 

 create a climate for the plantation, many times milder than 

 that of the surrounding grounds. Here also a far greater 

 stagnation of air prevails, and consequently a retention of 

 moisture proportionally greater than in the open park. 



The first thing to be done with these plantations is the 

 same as with single trees — namely, to go over them care- 

 fully, and examine what cover they have upon the roots, 

 and to supply it, if wanting, with earth taken from the 

 intervals. To make up the cover to about ten inches in 

 depth, is at least equal to a foot or fourteen inches in the 

 open field. It seldom happens, unless the outside plants 

 be very deficient in length of root, that any consolidation 

 by the beater can be wanted; neither is any uncommon 

 accuracy material in levelling or dressing the surface, 

 unless what is required to preserve the general character 

 of the ground, and to prevent the stagnation of water in 

 any part. In respect to fencing the trees, nothing needs 

 to be said on that subject; as the plantations being close — 

 that is, composed of grove and underwood — necessarily 

 implies an enclosure completely secured against sheep or 

 cattle. 



