TREES BEST ADAPTED FOR VARIOUS SOILS. 263 
early, is of good quality. The Spruce soon dies out, although it 
may, for a number of years after being planted, grow freely enough 
and wear a healthy appearance. Oak and Ash do fairly well, but 
they rarely attain to a large size or produce first-class timber. 
Rhododendrons almost revel in this soil, and some of the largest 
and healthiest are growing with their roots in close contact with 
the coal and ironstone. 
Concluding Remarks.—In conclusion, it may be pointed out 
that it is only by a careful selection of soil that we may expect 
tree-planting to be successful, and I have no hesitation in saying 
that many failures can be clearly traced to errors in judgment in 
the selection of trees for planting on particular soils. The subject 
is a wide and complicated one, and it must be admitted that very 
perplexing diversities occur with the same kinds of trees on what to 
all appearance is the same class of soil. There are of course other 
considerations beyond the soil itself which must be taken into 
account, such as aspect, elevation, and whether the ground is 
inland or on the coast. 
With reference to some of the newer conifers, it must be 
admitted that soil and situation have a wonderful influence on their 
successful culture, and this applies in particular to such kinds as 
are not perfectly hardy and liable to injury by unseasonable frost. 
The too common practice of selecting warm and sheltered spots is 
in the main to be condemned. I have on several occasions removed 
trees from low-lying sheltered sites to more upland breezy situations, 
and with marked beneficial results. Abies Webbvana and A. 
Pindrow when planted on warm rich soil, at a low elevation, 
rarely ripen their young wood sufficiently in autumn to withstand 
severe frost ; and as both of these trees are apt in such places to 
start into growth early in spring, it is the general rule that the 
young growths are seriously damaged. For these and other trees 
of a similar nature a northern aspect and fairly rich soil is to be 
recommended, as in such they do not start growing too early in 
spring, and are thereby exempt from injury. 
In a plantation at 950 feet above sea-level, and planted with 
many of the newer conifere, it is interesting to note the differences 
in growth between trees of the same genera. Abies Nordmanniana 
aud A, pectinata, the former hailing from the Crimea, do badly; 
while A. nobilis and A, lasiocarpa are thriving apace, and under 
exactly similar conditions with the former, The soil is a loose 
gravelly loam resting on rough, shingly gravel; and from this 
