Sandy Rose and the six row tree seed sowing machine
The images are courtesy of Michael Lawrence of Bankfoot whose grandfather, Sandy Rose, was Forester and Head Forester at Ledmore Forest Nursery from 1950 (when land was acquired) until his retirement in 1969. In 1966 the nearby Strathord Forest was brought under his charge.
Many nursery tools and equipment were developed at Ledmore Nursery by Sandy Rose. Shortages of easily available seasonal labour and the introduction of tractors with sophisticated hydraulics and flexible three point linkages were strong drivers to increasingly mechanise nursery operations.
Sandy Rose, in the middle, is explaining some feature of the six row seed sower. This may have been adapted from horticultural cabbage or other vegetable seed sowers. Unfortunately the lower part of the machine is not seen here.
Can anyone name the two other gentlemen? Is one of them the assistant forester at Ledmore called J P McLean?
A note prepared by Forestry Commission staff for a visit of the Society of Foresters in 1956 explains the following:
“The "Ledmore" Six-Drill Seed Sowing Machine and Grit Distributor
One of the lines which is being followed at Ledmore is the development of a plant suitable for the forest without the expense and losses of lining-out. It is believed that such a plant may result from undercutting one-year conifer seedlings, so producing what is termed a "one undercut one1' or "1 u 1" plant.
It was with this in mind that the six-drill seed sowing machine was designed. This machine can sow seed thinly in drills so that, after undercutting, the conditions for growth are not dissimilar to those in transplant lines. The grit distributor is similar to those in general use but it has been modified to confine the grit covering to the drills. It can also he adapted to sow hardwood seed, such as acorns, instead of grit in the drills.”
The full notes are shown below in the PDF which can be accessed by clicking on the link. They give a brief historical over view of the nursery, a summary of the fertility enhancement prescriptions and also a description of the various machines and tools employed in nursery work.
Any comments are very welcome.
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Groups: Forest Nurseries, Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Groups of people, Other Vehicles and Machines, Tools, equipment and clothing
Comment left on 15 October 2022 at 19:50 by Norman Davidson