312 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



the branches are restricted to the uppermost part of the 

 stem. It develops a tap-root, and generally a fairly 

 deep-going root-system. 



It is a quick height-grower from the beginning and 

 until it has reached nearly its full height, which may be 

 placed at about 120 feet under favourable circumstances. 

 As regards volume-increment it stands between Silver 

 Fir and the Pines. 



Ordinarily it would not exceed an age of 300 years, 

 though it is said in the Alps sometimes to reach double 

 that age. 



e. Reproductive Power. 



Full seed-years commence at the age of about 30 

 years ; they are light, and may be expected every 3 to 5 

 years. A certain quantity of seed is produced almost 

 every year. On the whole, the reproductive power by 

 seed is not very great. 



Larch possesses a certain power of reproduction by 

 shoots, but this is of no practical value in Sylviculture. 



/. Character and Composition of Woods. 



Larch preserves a sufficient cover overhead only for a 

 limited period, generally not exceeding 30 years, 

 when it begins to thin out, admitting sun and air- 

 currents, which cause the needles to decompose quickly, 

 and the previous growth of moss to make way for grass. 

 Hence it is not suited for pure woods, except on fertile 

 soils or under specially favourable climatic conditions. 

 It is far preferable to mix Larch into other species with 



