60 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



am doubtful if such an examination would form a reliable 

 guide to the proper distribution of the various trees. What 

 comes more within the reach of the practical planter is a 

 knowledge of the natural existing vegetation, which, if properly 

 understood, will convey a good indication of the under-lying 

 soil. A practical knowledge of this, together with the require- 

 ments of the various species to be planted, will enable each 

 variety to be placed in a soil and situation congenial to its 

 growth. 



Most of the land now under contemplation for afforestation 

 will consist of mountainous or semi-waste land. On this will 

 be found a great variety of naturally-grown plants, and perhaps 

 the most abundant will be the common heath. The strength 

 of these plants alone will give a good indication of the depth 

 and the porosity of the soil. Soils growing heather will 

 generally be found most suitable for the growth of the Scots 

 pine. When, however, there are mixtures with other plants, 

 such as Potentilla tormentilla, Holcus lanatus, and other common 

 grasses, several varieties of trees may succeed very well. The 

 common whin is a variable plant, and is not a safe criterion as 

 to soil. 



The size of these plants will, however, form a guide as to the 

 fertility of the soil, especially when growing together with such 

 plants as the common thistle, ragwort, etc. When the plants 

 of the natural flora are dwarfish with slender stems, this will 

 generally indicate a light gravelly soil. Broom is usually 

 found in dry situations. When it is strong and health)' — grow- 

 ing together with yarrow, bird-foot-trefoil, and wild clover— the 

 soil and subsoil are generally good for tree-growth. 



Foxglove indicates a medium soil, inclined to be dry, and a 

 great variety of trees may be grown in soil on which it flourishes. 

 The presence of male fern on the ground does not always give 

 a regular indication of the quality or fertility of the soil. Such 

 plants, although they may exist, do not usually luxuriate except 

 upon a good soil. The common juniper, associated with the 

 bracken fern, indicates a superior class of soil. 



The most hopeless soil in its natural conditions is that covered 

 with species of Scirpus. Unless a thorough system of drainage 

 of such a soil is performed sometime previous to planting, it is 

 vain to expect any kind of tree to succeed on it. 



These are a few of the larger and common varieties of plants 



