420 APPENDIX. 



checked by closer planting, but in the cultivation of larch it is recog- 

 nised that the individual trees grow more or less equal in height in the 

 struggle for existence, therefore too close planting and probable heavy 

 thinning for subsequent under-planting would in many cases not produce 

 a correct type of tree for a final crop. In addition to this, it must be 

 remembered that no matter what the number planted per acre may be, 

 in the majority of cases only a relative proportion will show sufficient 

 stamina to justify the prospect of reaching healthy maturity. Hence, 

 having regard to the law of "Natural Selection," we see the obvious 

 necessity of planting at such distances, compatible with subsequent 

 financial results, as will eventually produce a sufficient number per 

 acre for a final crop. 



With regard to planting larch in " mixed " plantations, it may be 

 noted that the larch may be planted either with the object of forming 

 a portion of the final or semi-final fellings or otherwise as a tree for 

 early returns. In either case, while the trees are quite young, spraying, 

 hand-picking, or beating the larv;i3 into inverted umbrellas might give 

 good results, but the mixture should be so formed as to produce such 

 surface conditions as will kill the grass or other herbage as speedily 

 as possible, and so render tlie surface detrimental to the pupal stage of 

 the insect. 



As regards middle-aged woods, or plantations where the trees are 

 too large for spraying with any insecticide, no better remedy can be 

 adopted, provided the pest has not gained too strong a hold of the 

 crop, than simply by underplanting and encouraging the growth of 

 sycamore, ash, hazel, etc., which may spring up naturally. Thus we 

 get better surface conditions and accelerated growth in the larch. 



As far as old woods are concerned, much would have to be left to 

 the discretion of the owner or the practical man in charge ; but as 

 regards the pupal stage, some mitigative measures might be accom- 

 plished in allowing the entrance of stock in stormy weather, and hand- 

 feeding them, burning of stray branches from wind-falls, or thinnings 

 in small disseminated fires, and other similar devices. As regards 

 checking in the caterpillar stage, the following practical suggestion 

 from ^Ir Annand's paper might be considered, namely, that as far 

 as possible summer felling, when the larvie are in "full feed," may be 

 adopted, and then burn the branches together with the larvae, and so 

 arrange the fires as to have the effect of burning as much of the 

 grassy surface as possible. 



Nematus laricis, Htg. 



For the past two or three years attention has been directed to in- 

 juries to the tips of very young larch-trees. Fig. 354 is a representa- 

 tion of the injuries, though perhaps not quite on a large enough scale 

 to be considered typical. The small larvae harmonise in colour so well 

 with the foliage that they are apt to be overlooked by the practical 



