SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON ASH. 



It is used for a great variety of purposes, by the joiner, 

 rarpcntor, wheelwright, sievewright. liaskd mnker, &c. 

 It also yields a very good fuel. The leaves are good 



fodder. 



b. Distribution. 



Europe up to G3 latitude, also North Africa. It is 

 indigenous in Great Britain and Ireland, going up to 



1350 feet in Yorkshire, and to 4000 feet in the Alps. 



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c. Locality. 



Climate. Ash does not require much heat, but it 

 is very tender against late frost, and also drought. It 

 is light-demanding, standing next to Oak, but it bears 

 somewhat more shade in youth. It likes moist air, 

 and is storm-firm. 



Soil. Ash requires a deep, porous, moist and fertile 

 soil. It is chiefly found in low lands, near rivers, and 

 in the bottom of mountain valleys. Good loamy soils, 

 with some lime, also marls, suit it best ; it avoids sandy 

 and acid soils. 



d. Shape and Development. 



The Ash has a straight stem, which divides into 

 branches at about half its height ; it is specially liable to 

 fork. The crown is of moderate extent, and thin during 

 the first half of the tree's life ; afterwards it becomes 

 broader. The root-system is extensive and deep-going, 

 with a tap-root ; the tree requires much growing space 

 below ground. It is a rapid height-grower, especially 

 during the first half of its life ; during the second half it 

 is liable to be outgrown by both Beech and Oak. It 

 reaches a height up to about 110 feet. 



