40 OX THE PRESENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF 



It is therefore important that thinning receive early attention, and 

 that overcrowding be avoided. 



From Christchurch to Southampton, Pinus insignis occupies 

 many prominent positions near the sea. Here again I cannot 

 concur with this selection for shaws or shelter belts on the coast. 

 The name P. insignis, or remarkable pine, is appropriately applied 

 to this tree when planted in sandy soils and exposed to the per- 

 nicious influences of the sea-breeze. The ragged head, dwarf habit, 

 and distorted ramification, make it a remarkable curiosity. It 

 is difficult to conceive that these trees will ever increase in size 

 or beauty. I am aware that P. insignis is often recommended 

 for planting near the coast. Indeed, many contend that no other 

 tree is so valuable for forming screens from prevailing winds. 

 Pinus ma/ritima grows more vigorously, continues longer in 

 health, and is superior both for ornament and shelter. Then 

 the evergreen oak (Quercus Ilex) is a slow-growing tree, but 

 exceedingly beautiful, and well adapted for shelter. It is invari- 

 ably well clothed with lateral branches, continues to grow for a 

 great number of. years, luxuriates in the sea-breeze, and where 

 it has been planted, forms ornamental screens which cannot easily 

 be surpassed. I might also mention Pinus pinaster, P. Austriaca, 

 P. laricio, the common yew and holly, and various sorts of 

 shrubs. 



Plantations of larch, Scotch and spruce firs, are common through- 

 out Hampshire. Much damage is occasioned in enclosures of this 

 description by neglect of thinning. I attribute the reluctance to 

 operate on large plantations to the small profits from thinnings. 

 Hampshire is inadequately intersected by railways, and has no 

 direct communication with large mining districts, consequently 

 the demand for pit props is limited ; and when the expense of 

 haulage is heavy, most of the profit is absorbed in transporting 

 the props to the collieries. On many estates, however, the thinnings 

 are now sold to railway contractors for sleepers and fencing. Scotch 

 and spruce firs steeped in solution of corrosive sublimate are found 

 durable for these purposes. Still the prices received are far from 

 satisfactory, and the usual custom is to thin sparingly at first, and 

 reserve as many trees as possible for timber size. To reserve the 

 largest number of trees compatible with healthy development, re- 

 quires great discretion, both while the plantations are young, and 

 after they are convertible into material for estate purposes. At 

 the first thinning the forester merely removes the worst trees, and 



