170 THE DOUGLAS FIR. 
In Scotland, on various classes of soils and exposed situations, 
the Douglas fir does well, and forms a considerable quantity of 
timber in a short space of time. On the Pentlands, at Belstane, 
this tree is doing remarkably well, many having now attained a 
height of fully 50 feet, although the soil is poor and cold, and the 
situation very exposed. 
At Churchhill, Co. Armagh, Ireland, this tree also does remark- 
ably well on deep peat-bog, mixed with a little clay at time of 
planting. The largest specimen, planted in 1862, is now about 80 
feet in height, with a stem of 53 feet girth at 3 feet up. Other speci- 
mens, planted at the same time on prepared bog, are all doing well, 
several being models of beauty. 
The Manager of Woodlands in the Isle of Man writes as follows 
regarding the Douglas fir: “This is indeed a splendid fir, and in 
sheltered positions will probably surpass every other conifer, native 
or foreign, as it not only quickly attains a large size, but its timber 
is of admirable quality. When exposed, however, to the sea breeze, 
its leading shoot is almost invariably destroyed ; and, although the 
tree quickly replaces it, the process of destruction is fatal to the 
production of long, straight timber. For this reason my trees have 
not attained a greater height than 40 feet, but they spread laterally, 
and increase quickly in girth.” 
From the above records it will be readily seen that the Douglas 
fir thrives on a great variety of soils; but to produce the largest 
and finest specimens, a partially-sheltered situation—sheltered, at 
least from the prevailing winds of the district—is necessary. 
This tree is readily propagated from seed, which is borne in great 
quantity even by young trees; but it is well to remember that 
cones collected from medium-sized, healthy trees growing in a some- 
what exposed situation are always preferable. It has, however, 
been said that plants raised from British seed are inferior to those 
grown from seed produced in its native country. This is not at all 
in accordance with my experience of the tree, as the following facts 
will show: Here, where the tree has been planted by the thousand, 
ull the stock has been raised in our own nursery, from the same 
parent trees—those whose dimensions are recorded above. The 
plants, instead of degenerating, have turned out most satisfactory, 
which the dark, glossy green foliage and rapidity of growth clearly 
testify. Many of these have already attained a greater height than 
the parent trees, more especially such as were planted in low-lying, 
sheltered situations ; indeed, I find it impossible to detect the least 
