2o6 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



per acre, at the age of 59 years. The stand is a magni- 

 ficent sight, the tall clean boles standing in regular rows, but 

 it is said that statistics show a falling-off in increment in 

 recent years. The canopy is somewhat open, and the floor 

 is now supporting a strong growth of bracken and other weeds. 

 Several opinions were offered as to the best future treatment, 

 one being that as the stand was of such good form it should 

 be kept and allowed to grow to its physical limit in order 

 to show what can be done in this country. Another was 

 that, as the increment was falling off, the owner was now losing 

 money and should waste no time in clear-felling and replanting 

 the area. The third opinion was that, as the fall in increment 

 was due to deterioration of the soil owing to thinness of the 

 canopy, disappearance of humus, and weed-growth, a shade- 

 bearer should be introduced as a soil protector and improver. 

 The species suggested was Tsuga Albertiana, which is found 

 thus associated with Douglas in their native habitat. If this 

 did not result in a revival of increment, it is claimed that 

 it would at least give a better start to the next crop than 

 would be afforded by the present impoverished soil. 



Glamis. 



From Taymount the party turned north towards Kinclaven 

 Bridge e7i route for Glamis, in Forfarshire. The famous Beech 

 Hedge at Meikleour was seen in passing. This is about 90 

 feet high and extends for a quarter of a mile along the roadside. 

 During this drive the change. from the hilly forest country of 

 Perthshire to the rich agricultural type of Strathmore was 

 remarked. As the party reached the gates of Glamis Castle 

 rain began to fall, and by the time they had arrived at the 

 Castle it was too wet to do more than make a hasty run round 

 the gardens and pinetum, where several very good specimen 

 trees were seen. Mr Gavin Ralston, factor, acted as guide, and 

 with the Earl of Strathmore's permission, afterwards conducted 

 the party through part of the Castle, where many historically 

 interesting paintings, tapestries, and relics were seen. Tea was 

 provided in the Castle by the Earl, who personally addressed 

 his welcome to the Society. Mr Whitton, as senior vice- 

 president, had the privilege of expressing the Society's thanks 

 to the Earl for his hospitality and kindness. 



