1/6 THE LARCH. 



chants in the growing state, who cut and manufacture 

 it themselves. The prices (abating bark) were from 

 IS. to IS. 2d. per cubic foot, is. being the general sell- 

 ing price. Much of the wood in the form of thinnings 

 being too small to admit of being sold by measure- 

 ment, is sold by the tree or number of trees instead. 



Having briefly described the soil, condition of the 

 crop, its value, &c., we shall next proceed to indicate 

 certain conceived defects, feeling justified in doing so 

 by the loud and earnest demands of rural progress and 

 enlightenment of the age. 



First, Much of the soil is too stiff and cold, and sur- 

 charged with water ; hence the results of slow growth, 

 &c. Second, The commencement of thinning had been 

 too protracted, and evidently, in some cases, also con- 

 tinued till overdone. Third, Considerable portions of 

 o-round are under larch which should have been under 



o 



oak, silver fir, Norway spruce, and Scotch pine, thus 

 giving rise to the unjust complaint of " failure of the 

 larch." 



His Grace, who was perfectly aware that larch would 

 not grow on every description of soil, says : " It is an 

 error to suppose that the larch will thrive on all soils 

 and in all situations. There are many kinds of soil in 

 which it will not thrive and ought not to be planted. 

 It has been found that larch cankers in wet situations, 

 and contracts heart-rot in wet subsoils. In cold and 

 damp situations it becomes fogged and covered with 

 lichens." The Duke's observation and experience in 

 these matters entirely agree with our own, and are 



