250 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



Ash does not attain a very large diameter. Its 

 volume-growth is smaller than that of Oak. 



The upper age-limit of Ash may be placed at 300 

 years. 



e. Reproductive Poicer. 



The tree commences producing full crops of seed when 

 about 40 years old ; they are somewhat light, and occur 

 about every other year.* The reproduction by seed is 

 on the whole moderately good. 



If coppiced, the Ash reproduces well from the stool ; 

 chiefly by stool-shoots, but also by suckers. It also 

 reproduces well when pollarded. 



/. Character and Composition of Woods. 



Ash appears in pure woods, but owing to its light 

 foliage it is not suited to be so grown except in very 

 favourable localities. It is much better adapted for 

 mixing with other species, especially Beech, and also 

 Hornbeam. It is frequently found mixed with Oak, 

 Alder, Maple, Elm, Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Willow, 

 Poplar and Hazel, especially in coppice with standards, 

 or coppice only. Owing to its quick growth, it gene- 

 rally holds its own against the other species. 



y. Sylvicultural Systems. 



Ash is treated as high forest, coppice, pollards, and as 

 standards in coppice. If found pure in high forest, it 

 requires underplanting, like the Oak. 



* On page 173 of Volume I., Ash has, by an oversight, been included amongst 

 the trees which produce full crops of seed every 3 5 years. 



