CHAPTER VI 



CONIFERS FOR ECONOMIC PLANTING 



Larch {Larix europcBo). — Amongst coniferous trees 

 the Larch, from a purely commercial point of 

 view, is by far the most valuable of any cultivated 

 in this country. When we combine its great 

 aptitude to suit itself to nearly all conditions of 

 soils, altitudes, and diversities of climate, with its 

 long-established value as a timber tree, rapidity 

 of growth and ease of culture, it is clear that no 

 other coniferous tree cultivated in this country- 

 can be ranked on a par with the Larch. 



The durability of the wood of the Larch is 

 generally admitted, and this peculiarity is notice- 

 able w^hen the timber is of only a few years' growth 

 and in a comparatively immature condition. It is 

 almost twice as durable as that of other coniferous 

 timbers, such as the Scotch Pine, Spruce, or the 

 Douglas Fir. For mining and railway purposes 

 the durability of the timber makes it much sought 

 after, this being further enhanced by its extreme 

 lightness, a cubic foot when seasoned only weighing 

 34 lbs. Larch, especially in a young state, is 

 specifically lighter than either Corsican or Scotch 

 Pine of similar age. It takes a good polish, works 



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