WOODS OF THE NOVAR ESTATE. 73 



up. Of the unstocked ground, the higher parts, which are to 

 a great extent covered with dense brackens, should be stocked 

 with larch and Douglas fir, the brackens being kept clear of the 

 young trees, especially of the larch. The low ground should be 

 stocked with spruce. Permanent shelter-belts are required on the 

 W., S. and E. sides. 



No. 12. — Black Park Corner. 

 Young Conifers, 1 Acre. 



Conditions of Locality. — Elevation. 180 feet ; gentle S. slope. 

 Soil, deep, strong loam. 



Crop.— Age, 14 years. Larch and Douglas fir. The crop has 

 been slightly thinned to relieve the Douglas fir, which had been 

 outgrown by the larch. The Douglas kept ahead of the larch 

 for the first ten years. The larches are splendid young trees, 

 being tall and straight, and having their lower branched killed off 

 by the Douglas. The latter tree, when in contact with its own 

 species, is clearing the bole well : less well when in contact with 

 larch. The crop is very dense. The larches average 40 feet and 

 the Douglas 39 feet in height. Disease is present to a slight 

 extent among the larch. 



Treatment. — Cut out diseased larch. Knock off dead lower 

 branches as soon as this can be done easily. 



No. 13. — Ballachraggan Belt. 



Old Conifers, . . . . . 4 - 410 Acres. 



Old Hardwoods, .... 2*168 ,, 



Total, . . . 6-578 



Conditions of Locality. — Elevation, 20 to 50 feet. The 

 conifers form a belt, 15 yards wide, running N.W. and S.E., with 

 a gentle slope to S. Soil, generally, a good, deep, sandy loam. 

 The hardwoods form a triangular plot ; the soil is of moderate 

 depth and poor quality; the drainage is defective. 



The Crop.— Conifers. Age, 81 years. Scots fir with a few 

 birch. Estimated stock, 75 trees, of 15 cubic feet each, to the 

 acre. There is a strong growth of whins on the ground, and the 

 trees have been damaged by squirrels. — Hardivoods. Age, 80 years. 

 Oak, with a few larch and other species. Estimated stock, 80 

 trees, of 3 cubic feet each, to the acre. The trees are of poor 

 quality. The ground carries much coarse grass, whins and 

 broom. 



Treatment. — Conifers. Thick cover is required as soon as pos- 

 sible for shelter and for game. The present thin crop should be 

 felled early, and the ground should be restocked with Scots fir, 

 a few rows of spruce being planted down the centre. — Hardwoods. 

 Remove the worst of the ti'ees, prune up those which are left, and 

 under-plant with silver fir or beech. Look to the drainage. 

 vol. xvi. part i. f 



