Of late years in particular, a good deal of comment has taken place as to the necessity of rearing trees from seed sown on the site of the future plantation, and although the suggestion has many points in its favour, still artificial planting is better adapted to the wants of our country, and is not at all likely to be superseded by natural reproduction, which is more fitted for countries differently situated from our own. The nursery treatment of plants is, therefore, sure to remain a prominent feature of British forestry, and this being the case, the soil and situation, as well as the most successful treatment of these, with a view to producing plants suitable for the positions they are intended to occupy, will require due consideration. This will vary much according to the situation of the estate and ground to be planted. In choosing the site of a home nursery, a great deal will depend on the general elevation and exposure of the estate. The situation should neither be too much exposed nor yet too sheltered, and should have a southern or western aspect; for, although too sudden a change from sheltered to exposed ground often proves fatal to young trees, this should not altogether form a criterion for rearing them in situations unfavourable to the development of strong, healthy plants. The soil should be good, friable loam, on an open, porous subsoil; but the quality of ground required for different seedlings is so diversified that it is next to impossible to suit all within the small bounds required for a home nursery. As water is indispensable where seedlings are raised, as well as for numerous other purposes in the nursery, it is well to have provision made for a continuous supply, either by a stream running through the ground, or in close contiguity to it, or by having a pipe laid on from the main water-supply.