178 ON THE FELLING OF TIMBER TREES. 



until they are from eighty to one hundred years old. When on good 

 soil, the English elm will, when matured, be of large dimensions. 

 The Scotch elm seldom attains so large a size as the English elm, hut 

 its timber is of more value when matured, and forms heart-wood 

 sooner. 



The lime tree, like the horse chestnut, is seldom planted for 

 profit ; but when of large size is in great demand for brake blocks 

 for railway purposes, &c. It is, however, of little value before it is 

 sixty years old. 



Poplars can generally be most profitably sold when about fifty 

 years old. Being very fast growers, they arrive at timber size sooner 

 than most of our timber trees, and the wood is then much used for 

 brake blocks, boarding, &c. When of small dimensions, the wood 

 of this tree is of little value. 



Sycamore and Norway maple, although in demand for turnery 

 purposes when of small size, can seldom be cut down to full profit, 

 until they have arrived at maturity, and attained large dimensions, 

 when high prices are obtained for them for printing blocks, &c, and 

 larger timber becomes proportionally more valuable. When the 

 sycamore is planted in a good soil, well drainedj and sheltered, it 

 may be profitably cut down at about one hundred years old. 



The willow, like the poplar, is a fast grower on suitable soil, and 

 can be cut down profitably about sixty years old, and for its timber 

 there is a good demand. 



Gean tree or wild cherry, holly, and laburnum are more grown 

 for ornament than for profit, though, in some instances, good prices 

 can be obtained for their timber. The two latter seldom attain a 

 large size, and may be felled any time when in demand, after attain- 

 ing a size suitable for turnery. In consecpaence of its hardness and 

 susceptibility to receive a fine polish, the wood of these trees is 

 much sought after. 



The walnut, when matured, is much esteemed for furniture, &c; 

 but is of little value in its young state, and is generally planted for 

 its fruit or as an ornamental tree. 



The annexed table shows the different ages at which, in accordance 

 with my experience, timber trees growing in different soils and 

 situations can be most profitably felled. 



[Table 



