272 A HANDBOOK OF CONIFERS 



of the larches, and they are injured by long periods of drought. 

 Sandy loam overlying loose gravel forms excellent larch soil, 

 whilst success is also obtained on heavy loam, soils containing 

 lime, and on drained peat or moss. Trees planted on sandstone 

 formations usually grow more rapidly than those on limey soils, 

 whilst those planted on shallow soil overlying hmestone do not 

 make large timber trees. Although larches withstand storms 

 better than most conifers, they are not good trees for windbreaks, 

 and isolated trees or small plantations in positions exposed to 

 high winds are rarely successful ; even large plantations in ex- 

 posed places are improved by a shelter belt of pines. At the 

 same time larches require a free circulation of air and are better 

 adapted for mountain sides than for valley bottoms. 



Two or three species are valuable forest trees in Britain, and 

 all the species are more suitable for groups than for isolated 

 specimens. When an isolated specimen is required, it is advisable 

 to plant a group and gradually remove the surplus trees. 



The larches demand full light and must be the dominating 

 species in mixed plantations. Where not planted close enough 

 to kill side-branches through lack of light and air, pruning may 

 be carried out as required without injury to the trees. The 

 branches should however be removed whilst quite small and the 

 wounds protected. Broken leading shoots are often renewed by 

 natural means, sometimes by erect growths from adventitious 

 buds and at others by a side-branch assuming an erect position. 

 Natural grafting of roots often takes place, and the stumps of 

 cut-over trees sometimes form a cap of new wood by the aid 

 of food material suppUed by neighbouring trees. 



Propagation is by seeds, which should not be collected until 

 the cones are thoroughly ripe, and they should only be taken from 

 well-grown and healthy trees. They should be sown thinly in 

 nursery beds, or, in the case of small quantities, in boxes, in well- 

 worked, light, loamy soil, the distance apart averaging |-^ in. 

 Sowing may be carried out any time between the middle of March 

 and the middle of April, or in well-drained ground they may 

 even be sown in autumn, care being taken to select a time when 

 the soil is moderately dry and works well ; a covering of fine soil 

 1^ in. deep should be given. As vermin are fond of the seeds 

 it is advisable to mix them with dry red lead before sowing. 

 SeedUngs are easily injured by frost and drought, and protection 

 and shading may be necessary. They may remain for one or 

 two years in the seed-bed and then be lined out in the nursery 

 for one or two years, or be planted direct in permanent places. 

 Other remarks on planting are given under L. europcea and L. 

 leptolepis. 



Larches are attacked by several insect and fungus pests 

 which are encouraged by indiscriminate planting. If care were 



