58 AFFORF.STATIOX IX SCOTLAND. 



Corsicaii pine : all the trees are growing well, even up to the 

 highest level, where they undoubtedly fall off a little, but this 

 could not be otherwise, as the strip is only a narrow one, 

 tapering off to a point at the top, so that all the trees are more 

 or less subjected to the full force of wind from all quarters : 

 the larch, it may be mentioned, are putting on yearly shoots 

 up to 3 feet in length. The other plantation is a large one, 

 and was planted about 1S80: it consists of a mixed crop of 

 larch, .'^cots pine and spruce ; all have grown well, especially 

 the larch, and ne.xt in order the spruce. The trees up to 

 about 1000 feet maintain a fair size, but above that altitude 

 they tall off in height, this probably being due to the crop 

 being too open. 



On the north side of the canal, all the sloping ground over- 

 looking it is more or less suitable for planting. There is a large 

 area of ground extending from the canal up the valley of the 

 loch and river Garry ; it is quite unnecessary to go into details 

 regarding this portion, as it must be evident, even to the most 

 casual observer, that tree-planting would be a profitable invest- 

 ment here : the growing species which specially demonstrate this 

 are larch and spruce. 



Within this area is a small plantation formed for shelter, part 

 of the soil being of indifferent quality and not altogether suited 

 for forest trees. It is a noticeable fact that where Scots pine 

 has absolutely failed Corsican pine is nourishing. 



Achnacarry. 



The plantable area here is on the north side of the canal, 

 rising on a slope to various altitudes, but the average height is 

 about 800 feet. 'Hie main part of the slope immediately over- 

 looking the canal is suitable for tree-growing ; while on the 

 extreme west, viz., Krracht, the soil is of exceptionally fine 

 quality, being far superior to the general run of forest soils. At 

 Achnacarry proper, most of the plantable area is under trees 

 of various sorts, both hardwoods and conifers, and except cer- 

 tain small areas of poor peaty soil, the whole is in a condition 

 to [ilunt. The capabilities of the soil to grow trees is apparent 

 from the size and general appearance of the conifers now found 

 thereon, the larch especially is growing well : one larch plantation 

 about 60 years of age is now of a size to command a large sum 

 ])er acre. 



