NATURAL REPRODUCTION OF FORESTS. 47 
I have already described a variety of soil where certain hard- 
woods can be grown collectively. I shall now state briefly where 
those can be best grown individually. The ash may be seen 
growing best on a loamy soil, with a porous subsoil, in moist situa- 
tions near to streams. It is in no way suitable for being grown 
upon tenacious clayey soils, and should not be planted in them. 
Young seedlings of ash are very liable to be nipped by spring frost. 
The beech is a tree which is not fastidious as to the soil 
in which it grows. It is seen growing in all soils, from heavy 
clayey loam to light sandy soil, in the latter of which it is seen at 
its best, if it be not too barren or too dry. Its habit is umbrage- 
ous, and, like the spruce fir, its roots run near the surface, which 
makes it a valuable companion to the oak, whose roots dip deep 
into the soil. The beech is also able to stand a great amount of 
shade, and, along with the silver fir, we have no trees to equal 
them as underwood for growing in the drip of other trees. The 
seedlings of the beech are also very sensitive to frost, especially 
until they have developed their true leaves. 
The Scots elm also must be regarded as a hardy and accommo- 
dating tree. Although it delights to grow in rich moist soils, 
still it is often found growing upon the most barren soils and in 
the most exposed situations. From observations of its growth 
and quality, 1 venture to say that it ought not to be planted in 
dry, sandy, or calcareous soils, as in such it is very liable to 
dry rot. Trees may be affected with rot, and, so far as outward 
appearance goes, they may show no sign of disease, beyond the 
stems being slighty enlarged from the base upwards for a few feet. 
The oak may be seen growing to the highest perfection in a 
strong loamy soil, with a deep subsoil of an open clayey nature, 
but it should always be grown in the best soils, so as to produce 
the finest quality of its valuable timber. 
The hornbeam luxuriates in a similar soil to the oak. This is 
the tree which Evelyn adored as the foremost of all deciduous 
trees. From what I have seen of its merits, I am of the opinion 
that more of it should be grown in Scotland, as its timber is of 
first-rate quality, and is in much demand for the manufacture of 
articles of turnery. 
The sycamore is another tree of great value in the reproduction 
of forests, as it produces good seed at a comparatively early age. 
The soil best suited to its growth is a moist loam. It is valuable 
for planting in exposed situations, either maritime or inland, as 
