MR H, C. HILL ON THE FOREST OF DEAN. 299 
intervals, the equivalent of 300 acres a year, and to clear off 
inferior trees and plant as above.” 
The second work to be undertaken is the introduction of an 
underwood of beech or (exceptionally) of hornbeam, and possibly 
of spruce, in existing enclosures. Beech may be under-sown, 
with every prospect of success, in the 884 acres of woods, forty 
years old or younger, exclusive of the Lea Bailey enclosure, and 
also in some of the older woods; but elsewhere the beech must 
be planted. 
“Thirdly. The Lining Wood of 80 acres, which contains 
mature oak, should be enclosed, and its natural regeneration 
undertaken. The wood has only to be slightly thinned by the 
removal of the oaks and beeches with the lowest crowns (except 
some young oaks in groups, which may be reserved to grow up 
with the new crop). Then, on an acorn crop appearing, the soil 
should be hoed up, and a crop of young oak will result. This 
should be rapidly uncovered by two or three successive fellings of 
old wood at intervals of three or four years, according to the 
state of the young crop. Some beech may be naturally produced 
with the oak, and, indeed, the young crop will be probably mixed 
from the beginning. In that case, care will be necessary to see 
that a sufficient number of oaks grow clear of the beech. Should 
the young crop be chiefly oak, it will be an advantage, as beech 
can be readily introduced twenty to thirty years later.” 
Fourthly. Certain areas where the oaks are not thriving should 
be cleared and replanted with conifers, preferably with spruce. 
Or, alternatively, these areas “might be cleared of all but the 
more promising growth, which might be kept in single trees or 
in groups of trees, and underplanted with spruce or beech. The 
cleared parts could be planted with Scots pine and small groups 
of larch. The latter are not likely to thrive in quantity or 
beyond a limited age, and therefore the main crop should be 
Scots pine.” 
Fifthly. Small blank areas in the forest, caused in most cases 
by fire, should be restocked. 
Thinnings are not recommended until an underwood of beech 
has been established. ‘It will then be a simple matter, and a 
safe operation, to give more space to the oaks and larches, and 
remove any defective stems in the younger woods. Any holes 
made in the leaf canopy, which may not be quickly filled up by 
the crowns of the overwood, will be effectively closed by the 
