NOTES FOR PLANTERS. 289 



Sycamore, or Scotch plane, if grown on suitable soil, forms a 

 very valuable asset to most wooded properties. It requires a 

 moderately light, deep soil; and though quite hardy even in 

 exposed or wind-swept places, it should be planted in sheltered 

 hollows and on the lower slopes of well-drained glens when it is 

 grown for profit and early use. This species thrives well as a 

 pure crop, and owing to its heavy leaf-fall is an excellent pre- 

 server of the soil. Like the ash, if the plants have been crowded 

 in the nursery-bed or lines, the young growths are difficult to 

 ripen so as to withstand the frost, and much injury results after 

 their removal to the forest. Select therefore plants which have 

 had plenty of growing space in the nursery. These should be from 

 3 to 4 feet in height, and should have been twice transplanted. 

 Plant in the forest at 5 feet apart. 



Beech. — Of all our hardwood trees there is perhaps none which 

 can adapt itself to so many varying conditions of soil and situa- 

 tion as the beech. For forming shelter-belts for more delicate 

 species, or growing under the shade of other trees, it is unequalled. 

 To see it at its best, however, it should be grown as a pure crop, 

 on light, dry soil of moderate depth overlying whin. The ground 

 should be thoroughly drained if necessary, and the young trees 

 — -from 2^ to 3 feet in height — should be planted at about ■4?, feet 

 apart. 



Black Italian Poj^lar. — This is the only variety of poplar worth 

 cultivating for profit. It thrives best in deep, rich loam contain- 

 ing an abundance of moisture. Grown by itself, or in company 

 with the white Huntingdon willow, it forms a valuable crop at 

 a comjiaratively early age, especially in the vicinity of mining 

 districts. Plants, which should be taken from cuttings and twice 

 transplanted in the nursery lines, should be finally put out at a 

 distance of 6 feet apart. 



Lai'ch, the most valuable of our coniferous timber trees, should 

 be planted on a moderately deep, sandy loam, on the slopes of 

 hills having a northern aspect. If the ground is wet, it should be 

 thoroughly drained one year at least before it is planted. On no 

 account should larch be jjlanted in low, humid hollows, no matter 

 how suitable the soil may appear to be. Under such conditions 

 it is sure to become diseased. If the ground to be planted is free 

 from rough herbage, the best plants to use are two years bedded 

 and one year transplanted ; but if the reverse is the case, then use 

 plants two years bedded and two years transplanted. If planted 



