INJURIOUS INFLUENCES 85 



changed the condition of the soil through 

 excessive drainage. 



The beech, above all trees, is extremely 

 susceptible to such a change, the first indica- 

 tions of injury being noticeable in the scant, 

 yellowish foliage, which is quickly followed 

 by gradual dying back of the upper branches, 

 and, in severe cases, by the total death of the 

 affected tree. Unfortunately, nothing can be 

 done in such a case, the only remedy being to 

 cut down the crop and replant with more 

 suitable species, such as the birch and cluster 

 pine. But cases of such a kind are far from 

 uncommon, and the drainage of buildings ad- 

 joining timber land has often been the direct 

 cause of an unhealthy condition of the trees. 

 Excessive dampness of the soil can readily be 

 counteracted by drainage. 



Surface water that has become contaminated 

 with refuse from chemical or oil works finding 

 its way to the roots of trees, often acts most 

 injuriously. Several instances have been 

 brought to my notice in which portions of 

 healthy plantations have been killed outright 

 where the roots of the trees came in contact 



