THE FOREST SCHOOL AT EBERSWALDE. 245 
forest officers are lecturers in the same, so that both the working 
and arrangements for excursions are made as complete as possible. 
In the Chroin Oberforsterei is a large nursery in which plants 
and trees are raised for sale, and for the requirements of the 
forest. Large quantities of trees for road-side planting are also 
grown here, the practice of rendering the highways more agreeable 
to travellers, and at the same time a source of profit, being one 
which might be extended to our own country with advantage. 
The false acacia (Robinia pseudo-acacia) is largely used for this 
purpose, its moderate size and prickly nature rendering it especially 
suitable for furnishing a medium shade, while a more ornamental 
tree could scarcely be found. Adjoining this nursery are the ruins 
of a large Cistercian monastery, built in the purest Gothic style, 
and existing in a fair state of preservation. 
Numerous experiments are being carried out in these forests 
with the various introduced coniferze and deciduous trees. These 
are planted in enclosures of about 5 or 6 acres in extent, and are 
both planted alone and mixed with other species. The Douglas 
fir appears likely to thrive remarkably well here, judging from its 
appearance at present, although it must be said that it is no excep- 
tion to the other species in this respect, for the poor character of 
the soil appears to be balanced by its great depth and free nature, 
which allows root development to proceed unchecked. It is 
rather surprising that larch has not been more extensively planted 
here in the past, as from what can be gathered by the appearance 
of the few clumps that are to be seen occasionally, the soil appears 
to suit it remarkably well. It is, however, being gradually intro- 
duced into the recent sowings and plantings, and the Weymouth 
pine and the various American spruces are also being tried. 
The district contains a very rich forest flora and fauna, and a 
wide field exists for botanical and zoological excursions. Roedeer, 
wild swine, and reddeer are the chief features in the sportsman’s 
line, and hares are also rather numerous. Rabbits are conspicuous 
by their absence. Squirrels are very numerous, but appear to do 
little damage to the Scots fir here, probably owing to the abund- 
ance of beech and hornbeam, which provide them with plenty of 
more attractive food. Birds are very numerous, and many fine 
specimens of the larger woodpeckers are to be seen by the observer. 
Insects of all kinds, injurious and harmless, abound everywhere, 
although the natural condition and proportions in which bird and 
insect life are maintained, prevent any great damage being done by 
