SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON OAK. 215 



Where the locality does not suit the Beech, the 

 Hornbeam frequently takes its place ; instances are frost 

 localities and sandy soils in low lands. The Oak easily 

 holds its o\vn against the Hornbeam. 



When Oak is mixed with Silver Fir it requires a 

 decided start, or it will after some time be outgrown 

 and suppressed. 



Spruce is less suited for mixture with Oak ; the two 

 species have a different character and demand different 

 conditions of locality. At first the Oak grows faster, 

 and afterwards the Spruce. Frequently Oak becomes 

 stag-headed when mixed with Spruce. 



When grown as standards in coppice, the Oak is 

 frequently mixed with many other species, such as Ash, 

 Maples, Elm, Birch, Larch, or Scotch Pine. 



Oak coppice woods grown for the sake of the bark 

 should be pure, so as to obtain the highest possible 

 returns; if grown for other purposes they are frequently 

 mixed with a variety of other species, such as Beech, 

 Hornbeam, Ash, Elm, Maple, Sweet Chestnut, Birch, 

 Hazel, Willow, Aspen. 



g. Sylvicultural Systems. 



Oak is equally well adapted for high forest or 

 coppice, and for combinations of the two ; the sessile 

 Oak is perhaps a little more suited for coppice than the 

 pedunculate species, because it is somewhat less exacting 

 as regards fertility of soil, reproduces better from the 

 stool, and the bark is easier to peel. A mixture of Oak 

 in Beech woods is the best system for the production 

 of superior Oak trees, also high forest with a soil- 



