A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



Soil. Alder requires a porous, moist soil of at least 

 middling depth. Moisture is specially required in the 

 subsoil. Although it requires more moisture than the 

 commoner forest trees, it does not thrive in stagnant 

 water. It is at least moderately exacting as regards the 

 chemical composition of the soil. It does best on 

 humus-rich sandy loam, and thrives even on peat soil ; 

 cold clay or dry sand does not suit it. Alder is prin- 

 cipally found along river banks in the low lands, and at 

 the bottom of mountain valleys. It does not seem to 

 be particular about aspect. 



d. Shape and Development. 



Alder develops a straight stem, which divides only in 

 the upper part ; the branches are of moderate size, with 

 a rather thin foliage. The root- system consists of a 

 number of deep-going side-roots, which branch in the 

 subsoil and end in numerous fine rootlets. 



It is a quick grower, but rarely reaches a height of 

 75 feet, generally considerably less ; it lives, as a rule, 

 to an age not exceeding 100 years, only exceptionally 

 longer. 



e. Reproductive Power. 



Alder begins to seed fully at the age of about 25 

 years ; the crops of seed are heavy, and they occur about 

 every three years. On the whole the energy of repro- 

 duction by seed is moderate. The reproductive power 

 from the stool is strong and enduring ; the tree chiefly 

 produces root-suckers. 



