VALUE AS A CROP. 1 73 



lower branches the roots are nourished and fed ; by the 

 latter the sap is absorbed and conveyed to all parts of 

 the tree ; and just in proportion to the healthy and 

 proper condition of the roots is the whole structure of 

 the tree supplied with wood-forming materials. 



The crop of this immense forest may average 200 

 trees per acre, and the average market value may be 

 6s. per tree, thus making the value £60 per acre. 

 Doubtless many acres are worth more than this, but 

 others are worth less, so that £60 per acre may be 

 considered a fair average of the whole. The fencing, 

 planting, v^c, of these forests are stated to have cost 

 something less than 30s. per acre, detailed thus: — 



2000 one-year transplanted larch, at 7s. 6d, per I coo 

 One man two days, at 2s. 3d. per day 

 One boy carrying plants, at 6d. per day 

 Enclosing, at the rate of 5s. per acre .... 

 Clearing juniper, draining, kc. ..... 



The success of these forests will bear favourable 

 comparison with any in Scotland, and yet it is very 

 evident that much can be learned from points of 

 failure as well as success ; and with the additional 

 experience of half a century, it is strange that so 

 very little advancement has been made in the growth 

 and culture of larch. The undulating nature of the 

 oTound favours the g^rowth of larch in the Athole 

 forests. It is well understood how readily water runs 

 off a hill face, and how soon not only its herbage, but 

 its soil, becomes dry after rain or melted snow, com- 



