7 
that after a resting period of 2 or 3 years, the land could be 
replanted and the next generation of trees grown. If these old 
trees are allowed to remain, say, for another 20 years, the timber 
will be worth no more at the end of that period than at the present 
time, and may be worth less on account of natural decay ; whereas, 
if the value of the timber were realised and the cleared areas re- 
planted, by the end of 20 years new plantations would be nearing 
the end of their unproductive stage. The eventual cost of clearing 
some old woods may be heavy, for there must be many trees that 
can be of little use except for firewood. 
Undoubtedly there are many instances where plantations of old 
trees are essential for landscape effect, and where there are fine ol 
park-grown specimens, whose value cannot be calculated in pounds, 
shillings and pence, which it would be rank vandalism to remove. 
hese, however, are not now in question; it is to trees which are 
grown exclusively for timber that the present remarks are directed. 
Over-thinned Woods.—Modern foresters are suffering rather 
severely for the sins of their forefathers, insomuch that a great 
number of woods, 40 to 80 years of age, have been over-thinned. 
Far too much head room has been allowed, with the result that the 
made to rectify this by underplanting, but a long peri as 
elapse before the planter can see the beneficial results of his labour. 
Young Woods.—By the appearance of the young woods one can 
appreciate the work that is being done, for in the majority of 
instances these are in a highly creditable condition. Youn 
plantations generally, whether in poor or in better class ground, are 
cised as regards thinning and general upkeep. In some instances 
diseases of various kinds are apparent, but these are receiving what 
practical attention is possible. 
he kinds of trees planted on a large scale are surprisingly few, 
the chief being larch, common and Japanese ; Scots pine ; Corsican 
and Austrian pine; spruce; oak; beech; birch and sycamore, 
with a little ash and poplar. Very little Douglas fir has been 
noted and no large plantation has been seen. 
n most cases mixed plantations are preferred to pure woods 
though the latter may occasionally be noticed. The value of a little 
shelter is apparent in the case of young trees everywhere. A 
natural depression in the ground, a clump of old trees, or even a 
low hedge results in the trees in the vicinity being more vigorous 
than those which are less favoured. 
Whilst inspecting various plantations the thought has occurred 
that a great deal of valuable experimental work might be carried on at 
a small expense, with the co-operation of landowners, by distributing 
oung trees of various kinds, not at present grown for timberi o 
ritain, which are known to produce valuable timber and would be 
likely to thrive. These, planted in mixed woods, in different parts 
of an estate, could be easily compared with trees which produce less 
_ valuable timber but are known to grow well, and in a few years’ 
