446 EDITOR'S BOX. [April, 



they had failed was at an elevation of 1,000 feet. By a printer's 

 error ' adjoining woodlands ' was put instead of ' moorland,' which 

 makes all the difference, for there is no sort of shelter. The range of 

 moorland referred to is that dividing Yorkshire from Lancashire, 

 which forms the backbone of England and divides the watershed of 

 the east and west coasts. The millstone grit is the well-known rock 

 of the district, and there is no lime in the soil. 



If I were to state where I have found it succeed, I should have to 

 quote every variety of soil and all parts of England, Mr. Cannon's 

 experience in one of the poorest districts of France is, I fear, no 

 sufticient guide to planters in England. 



The subtle distinction of climate is almost beyond the power of 

 classification. The Austrian Pine lias not been tried in England half 

 a century, and it is therefore most important to learn how far it 

 appears to suit our climate. My own observation, as I have said, in 

 all parts of England, led me to the conclusion that in every variety 

 of soil it was a most reliable grower. I have met with no failure, 

 and I therefore thought this instance, at such an unusual elevation, 

 worth recording. Growing admirably for eighteen years, I think we 

 may conclude that the soil was not unsuitable in this instance, and 

 that to the cruel frosts and winds occurring at a special stage of its 

 growth the evil result was due. 



In a part of the old forest of Sherwood, in Notts, growing only 

 heather, and consisting of sand of the poorest description, I have 

 lately advised the planting of Austrian as well as Scotch Pines. In such 

 an arid soil, of course, a great deal depends upon the first spring. A 

 long drought with cutting winds will cause a struggle for existence 

 with every plant, whilst a good amount of rain in April will afford 

 them a fair chance. In such situations the plants can hardly be too 

 small, if well-rooted and twice transplanted in the nursery. Where 

 the subsoil is hard, a pick should be driven in to loosen it round the 

 plant without turning it up. I have found the Austrian answer 

 quite as well as the Scotch Pine in such soils, while they are not averse 

 to retentive soils with a considerable amount of moisture. 



In your January number a contributor gives a testimony to their 

 adaptability for transplantation. This affords an additional proof of 

 their being suitable to our climate. Lord Manners has some mag- 

 nificent specimens of the Austriaca and Laricio at Thoresby, but I 

 think the former the grander species in every respect. In Devon- 

 shire, on Mr. EoUe's estate, that comparatively mild climate seems 

 equally to agree with it, and both on strong and light soils none of 

 the coniferse appear more flourishing. 



W. Lipscomb. 



Heath, Wakefield. 



