122 
Indian Forest Records 
[ VOL. II. 
The above observations, so far from proving grass to be inimical to 
the seedling by preventing development of tap-root, tend to show that 
a growth of grass may be distinctly beneficial and helpful in acting as a 
protection or nurse to the delicate seedlings. 
(<;) Experiment to ascertain whether the development of seedlings ts 
impede i hy a growth of grass. — Having satisfied ourselves by these ex- 
periments and observations that the roots of the grass did not interfere 
with the developmeit of the seedlings, the question arose whether the 
dense growth above ground might not perhaps choke and smother the 
seedling, and so prevent its development. 
To test this another experiment was devised. Two plots, each 
measuring 2 yards by 1 yard, were laid out adjoining each other on a 
north-west slope covered with a dense growth of grass 2J feet in height. 
The soil was very similar to that of Plot II, but interspersed with 
numerous boulders of trap. The grass roots penetrated to an average 
depth of 6 inches. 
From one of these plots the grass was kept down by cutting, whilst 
from the other plot the grass was not removed. Countings, at stated 
intervals, were made of the seedlings in each plot, with the following 
results ; — 
Experiment II. 
Date of countings of 
No. OF SEEDLINGS ALIVE. 
Age of 
seedlino-s. 
number of living 
PI t III. 
Plot IV. 
Remarks. 
seedl ngs. 
Grass 
Grass not 
re.noved. 
removed. 
Y. 
M. 
21st De ember 1900 . 
171 
1 
5 
Plot IV was not laid 
out until the follow- 
ing year. 
20tli July 1907 
180 
180 
2 
1 
22nd March 1908 
209 
177 
2 
9 
By mistake the grass 
on Plot IV was cut 
in January so that 
the plot was exposed 
throughout the dry 
season of 1908. 
6th August 19)8 
159 
81 
3 
1 
7th January 1909 
171 
83 
3 
6 
