42 



ON THE PRESENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF 



can look forward to reaping the fruits of his labour, whereas in 

 the other case posterity derives the greatest benefit. To illustrate 

 this point, I append a statement of the approximate income at 

 fixed periods from each source. This is based on actual profits, 

 after deducting the cost of management : — 



Acre of Alder Gully 



Acre of Larch Plantation. 



£420 



By these figures it will be seen that the profits from underwood 

 during the early periods of growth are much in excess of larch 

 plantations. Thirty-eight years after planting, the returns are 

 nearly equal, but from that date the larch profits are far in excess 

 of those accruing from alder gullies. Perhaps a more equitable 

 comparison might have been made with hop-wood, hurdle-rods, 

 or hop-poles, all of which are grown in soil suitable for larch. 

 None, however, except hop-poles, give so large or so quick a 

 return as alder gullies. Hop-poles under careful supervision 

 woidd be a little in excess, but no coppice wood can compare with 

 larch plantations, which yield larger returns in a given time than 

 any other crop. 



In Berks and Oxon innumerable willow pollards adorn the 

 banks of the Thames. The principal produce of these pollards is 

 firewood, and the returns are often meagre and unsatisfactory. In 

 Hampshire they are not so numerous, but frequently occur in the 

 water meadows, and by the sides of rippling bi'ooks and streams. 

 What an improvement it woidd be to introduce the black poplar 

 in these positions — a valuable tree almost unknown in the south, 

 but superior to willow pollards, both in remuneration and scenic 

 effect. In its young state it is not so valuable as the larch, but 

 this is more than compensated by its rapid growth. Black poplar 

 matures timber of large dimensions sooner than any other tree. 

 In forty years from planting the final cutting may take place, so 

 that the planter may often realise the profits in his lifetime. The 

 following statement shows the approximate profits, exclusive of 



