SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON HORNBEAM. 239 



/. Character and Composition of Woods. 



Hornbeam appears in pure woods in eastern Europe, 

 and also in England (Epping Forest). It is not equal to 

 Beech in its capacity for improving the fertility of the 

 soil, since it has a lighter foliage, does not maintain a cover 

 overhead so long, and does not hear so much shade ; the 

 leaves also decompose more rapidly than those of Beech. 

 At the same time, it stands next to Beech in this 

 respect amongst broad-leaved species, and may replace it 

 in localities unsuited for Beech. 



Hornbeam appears chiefly in mixture with Beech and 

 Oak, but also, like the Beech, with other species, but not 

 to the same extent. 



g. Sylvicultural Systems. 



Hornbeam can be grown as high forest, coppice, or 

 pollards. It appears as underwood in coppice with 

 standards, and makes an excellent soil-protection wood 

 in open woods of valuable timber trees. It also makes 

 excellent hedges. 



As high forest, it would generally be treated under a 

 rotation not exceeding 100 years, as coppice from 15 to 35 

 years, and as pollards from 5 to 10 years. 



h. Formation of Woods. 



Hornbeam can be sown, planted, or naturally re- 

 generated; the latter is a suitable method. Sowings 

 and plantings do not require shelter. 



The seed ripens in October, and falls from that time 

 until towards spring; it keeps its germinating power for 

 two or three years ; up to 80 per cent, are capable of 



