WOODS OF THE NOVAR ESTATE. 87 



much damaged by rabbits and hares. Otherwise it is doing well. 

 The Unstocked Ground carries a few standards of Scots fir, larch 

 and hardwoods, and there is a fair show of self-sown seedlings. 



Treatment. — The old stock may be cut at any time. When 

 regeneration is undertaken, the deficiencies of natural growth 

 may be supplemented by sowing, rather than by planting, on 

 the shallow ground, especially on the ridge. Vacancies in the 

 young plantation should be filled up at once, and the young 

 growth must be freed from the dense cover of weeds. Of the 

 unstocked ground, about 39 acres will be stocked with Scots 

 fir mixed with a few larch ; and the remainder, a strip near the 

 river, will be stocked with oak, beech and ash. Look to the 

 drainage. Establish a permanent shelter-belt on the N.E. side. 



No. 53. — Dalnahaun. 

 Old Conifers, 14-397 Acres. 



Conditions of Locality. — Elevation, 100 to 200 feet ; a steep 

 slope down to the left bank of the Blackrock Water, with some 

 level ground beside the stream. Soil, on slope, shallow and 

 gravelly; deep on low ground, where the drainage is defective in 

 places. Open to grazing. 



Crop. — Age, 77 years. Last crop consisted of larch, Scots fir, 

 spruce and some hardwoods ; but most of the conifers have been 

 cut out. The larch was well grown, but "royed," especially in the 

 drier parts. The crop actually left consists mainly of inferior 

 hardwoods, estimated at 60 trees, each of \bh cubic feet, to the 

 acre. Many of them are seriously damaged by the rope of the 

 traction-engine. There are a few patches of brackens and rasp- 

 berries ; and a good many natural seedlings, especially of beech, 

 in spite of the fact that the area is open to grazing. 



Treatment. — Fell as soon as possible, leaving only a few of the 

 older trees as ornaments to the Blackrock Gorge, and such of the 

 younger oaks as might improve by standing. Bestock with Scots 

 fir on the steep, dry ground ; and lower down with spruce, ash 

 and Douglas fir, a few larch being scattered among them. 



No. 54. — Assynt Lower Belt. 



Old Conifers, . . .. . . 10-884 Acres. 



Young Conifers, .... 7 -990 „ 



Total, . . 18-874 



Conditions of Locality.— Elevation, 280 to 310 feet ; a- gentle 

 S.W. slope, with level ground to S. Soil, fairly deep and fresh 

 sandy loam. 



Crop.— Old Wood. Age, 77 years. The wood lies below the road 

 leading to Assynt House, and along the N. side of the Blackrock 

 Gorge. Scots fir, larch and spruce, with a few hardwoods. Esti- 

 mated stock, GO trees, each of 14 cubic feet, to the acre. The Scots 

 fir and spruce are of rough quality, but there are fine and sound 



