308 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



/. Character and Composition of Woods. 



In its natural home the Weymouth Pine appears in 

 pure woods over extensive areas, but even more 

 frequently is found mixed with other species, especially 

 broad-leaved trees. It is well suited for pure woods, 

 as it has a fairly dense crown, maintains a sufficient 

 leaf-canopy until towards maturity, and preserves a 

 favourable layer of humus and moss on the ground. In 

 Europe it is grown chiefly with Scotch Pine, Spruce, 

 Larch and Silver Fir, when it generally holds its own. 

 It is also well suited for mixture with Beech. 



g. Sylvicultural Systems. 



High forest, with clear cutting; fairly suited for under- 

 planting Oak on sandy soils, and also Larch and Scotch 

 Pine ; well suited for filling up blanks in young woods. 

 Can be grown as standards in coppice, also as nurses 

 over and between tender species. 



h. Formation of Woods. 



Planting is the rule, the seed being frequently too 

 expensive for direct sowings. The natural regeneration 

 of the tree has been found to be very slow in Europe. 



The seed ripens in September or October of the second 

 year, and falls almost immediately. It retains its 

 germinating power for 2 to 3 years. Of good seed 65 per 

 cent, should be fit to germinate. One pound of seed 

 contains about 30,000 grains.* The raising of plants in 

 nurseries is similar to that described for Scotch Pine. 



* Of the last supply of seed used in the Coopers Hill Forest Nursery, 

 26,000 clean grains weighed one pound. 



