WOODS AND COPSES 
derived from woodland vegetation. It is pro- 
bable that moisture and altered light-and-heat 
conditions have played as important a part as 
that of the absence of humus. 
Woodlands also affect the water content and 
physical character of the soil, preventing it 
from becoming pulverized. All these points 
should be carefully explained. 
Causes of Cutting Down of Woodlands.— 
When the original area of woodland is com- 
pared with its extent to-day (there are fourteen 
national forests of insignificant total acreage) 
it is obvious that the cause of the reduction in 
forests has been multiple. 
Primarily there was the need for wood for 
fuel. In Saxon or Norman times, or later 
even, only the churches, castles, &c., were 
built of stone, and wood was used for dwell- 
ings. From Alfred’s day, also, till the time 
of Nelson there was a constant demand upon 
the forests for ship-building. Incidentally, 
hunting and similar causes were responsible 
for the clearing of forests; and the need for 
cultivating, especially from the Conqueror’s 
time, has finished the work of depletion. 
Woodlands the Origin of many Fruit Trees, 
&c.—The origin of many of the fruit trees 
of this country is wrapt in, obscurity. It is 
certain, however, that some, such as the 
Cherry, were introduced from the south of 
Europe, and the apples, plums, pears, peaches, 
&ec., that have been cultivated and improved 
in orchards and kitchen gardens for centuries 
have lost their original characters. 
De Candolle has traced the history of many 
of them by the comparative method, and if we 
regard the quasi-wild or truly wild species, 
such as the Crab, Wild Plum, Wild Pear, it 
will be found that they are largely reversions 
to a wild stock from cultivated plants. None 
the less, there are a number of the smaller 
fruit trees, such as the Sloe or Bullace, Rasp- 
berry, Hazel, that certainly originated in our 
woodlands, whilst the Currant and Goose- 
berry, and the Plum are found in a wild state 
to-day. 
The Value of Woodlands.—Reference is made 
elsewhere to some of the causes of the dis- 
appearance of woodlands, which is one proof of 
their value, economically considered. Another 
reason for their preservation, to which allusion 
has also been made, is their effect in preserving 
moisture. 
A very prominent feature of woodlands also 
is their beauty, and it is to be hoped that the 
efforts to preserve beauty spots which has been 
so well begun by the National Trust will be 
fostered and extended in the future. The 
afforestation of the whole country on scientific 
lines is urgently required. The rising genera- 
Vou, III. 
241 
tion may lend their support by taking part in 
Arbor Day, or the planting of trees on festive 
occasions. 
Natural and Artificial Woodlands.—It is very 
important that a careful distinction should be 
drawn between woods that are natural and 
those that are artificial Natural woodlands 
upon clay and loam commonly consist of the 
pedunculate Oak, while on sandy soil sessile 
Oak prevails. This may occur also on siliceous 
soils, which are also characterized by Birch 
scrub. Heathy tracts also consist of Birch in 
some areas, and on gravelly soils of the Pine. 
Ash is the principal tree in limestone areas, 
and also occurs on chalk. But the chief tree 
on chalk and oolite is the Beech. 
Where such conditions occur, the woodlands 
may be regarded as natural. 
All these trees are likewise found in a planted 
state, but an examination of the ground flora 
and scrub will reveal this as a rule. The 
coniferous woods and plantations, except Pine 
and Yew (the latter found on the challx), are 
artificial also. The distinguishing of the 
characters of a wood will be an excellent piece 
of work if skilfully directed. 
The Home of the Lower Plants.— Woodlands 
are the particular resort of a variety of Crypto- 
gams. The whole group of Fungi are espe- 
cially fond of moisture, and as they can grow 
in the shade they flourish in the woodlands. 
They are to be found on the trunks of the 
trees, to which they do a great deal of harm. 
Old stumps are especially the habitat of many 
fungi that flourish upon the putrescent wood. 
Upon the sticks or dead (or living) under- 
growth a large number of the microscopic 
forms are to be found. Upon the grounds the 
agarics and peziziform fungi grow, and the 
beautiful earth-stars. 
Lichens grow well in woodlands upon the 
trunks, and where the woods are rocky on the 
rocks. They need a clear atmosphere and 
moisture. Here, too, those delicate, moisture- 
loving plants known as Hepatics or Liverworts 
are particularly at home. They grow upon 
the base of the tree-trunks, amongst the under- 
growth, on rocks, and upon the bare ground, 
in open clearings and rides. The same re- 
marks apply to Mosses. Horsetails and Ferns 
are especially fond of moist habitats that are 
to be found in woods. 
Animal Life of the Wood.—In all types of 
vegetation there is an intimate connection be- 
tween the plant and the animal life, but the 
woodlands are the especial resort of many 
types of animal life. The density of the woods 
compared with the openness of the meadow or 
pasture affords an additional means of protec- 
tion. It is in the woods that those animals 
46a 
