NURSERY AND PLANTING. 



55 



sider would, in many cases, be too good for rearing forest-trees 

 in, although extremely well calculated for that of fi-uit-trees 

 and many kinds of shrubs. A poor barren heath, with suffi- 

 ciency of peat earth on the surface, on which heath. Erica 

 vulgaris^ &c. grows luxuriantly, or a soil of decayed vegetable 

 remains, denominated peat, although rather moist, would be a 

 suitable nursery for the majority of American trees and shrubs ; 

 light friable, or light sandy loam, would be well calculated for 

 forest-trees in general. 



In regard to the depth of soil, we may say from one to two 

 feet, are sufficient for the generality of plants, but none, if it 

 can be avoided, should be less than one foot ; and, as the first 

 step towards its formation, draining, if it be necessary, and en- 

 closing in all cases, should be first and strictly attended to. 

 Young trees will not succeed, with a few exceptions, in wet 

 ground, nor can seeds ever be expected to vegetate in it, al- 

 though the very plants that spring from them may, at a future 

 period, prosper to the extent of our wishes in very moist situa- 

 tions. Water, if possible, should be retained in tanks or small 

 ponds, if it exist in the ground, but if not, it should be brought 

 in pipes, or by other means, as, at the season of planting, and 

 sometimes during dry summers, it is almost indispensable. In 

 regard to enclosing, it is of the first consequence, not only suf- 

 ficient to guard against the inroads of cattle, &c., but against 

 the no less destructive quadrupeds, the hare and rabbit, which 

 it is difficult to exclude, and which are very destructive to 

 almost every species of tree in their young state. In countries 

 where stone is abundant, walls of five or six feet will be more 

 durable and impenetrable ; and where such materials are not 

 naturally to be had, pales of oak, or other durable timber, 

 should be substituted; in the latter case, the ends of the pales 

 should be let in a foot at least under the surface, for the better 

 exclusion of rabbits. Where nurseries are intended for the 

 exclusive purpose of rearing forest-trees, any artificial shelter is 

 probably unnecessary, and is, when too much indulg(^d, inju- 

 rious ; but such as are for the purpose of cultivating more 

 delicate plants, shrubs, or fruit-trees, some attention ought to 

 be paid either to select a sheltered spot, or to provide shelter 

 by planting, &c. 



