ing of Winter and its ultimate thawing out. 'The months of February, 
and March with their daily temperature fluctuations are particu¬ 
larly dangerous on account of the alternate freezing and thawing 
of the soil. In February 1932 this happened 20 times, and 12 times 
in the same month of 1933* Each such change is a levy on the strengt 
of the plants. Even slight variations are sufficient to do harm 
to Autumn seedlings. Against this danger, which threatens all spe¬ 
cies of trees alike, a mulch of peat mould is a safe protection, 
because of its considerable insulating properties. Trials with 
leaf- and pine needle-mould, of which there are supplies in the 
neighbourhood of the Nursery, have not been satisfactory. Leaf^ 
mould in particular, led to prejudicial soddenness. Digging, trans¬ 
porting and application were expensive* It was also noted that so 
many weeds were brought in with this material that complete clear¬ 
ing of the beds was necessary in the Spring. Thus during the Summer 
months the beds lie empty. 
Experience has shown that unmulched Conifer Nurseries suf¬ 
fer badly from the larvae of Otorrhynchus niger, which in some 
cases have practically eliminated half the crop. If the above 
mentioned mulching is not removed too early in the Spring, it 
prevents the entry of the beetles. 
The safeguard seems ’to be similar in the case of the larvae 
of the May-bug or Cockchafer. Observations on this point however 
are incomplete on account of the different life-history of the 
May-bug. It is safe to assume however that it is the case. 
The mulching calls for a single expenditure_of about three 
bales of peat mould per 100 sqare metres. It immediately loosens 
the soil and keeps it continually in good condition. By its adverse 
effect on weeds it reduces cost of cultivation to a trifling figure. 
It is a safeguard against frost and against the effects of heat. 
In many cases it decreases the.risk from insect pests. 
When the bods are cleared, the mulch should be dug in, in 
order to improve the condition of the soil. 
No harmful consequences are to be feard, but it is advisable 
to mulch early, before the evaporation of the Winter moisture. 
