318 A MANUAL OP FORESTRY. 



In the mountains of Montana, with a comparatively 

 small rainfall of about 24 inches and a dry atmosphere, 

 the Douglas Fir reaches, if grown on the most suitable 

 soil, a height not exceeding 150 feet, which however is 

 also the limit in the coast districts, if the tree is grown on 

 moderately fertile soil. On poor soil, even in the latter 

 districts, the maximum height is frequently found to be 

 100 feet or even less. 



From these data it appears that the Douglas Fir, if it 

 is to do well, requires a moist climate and a deep fertile, 

 fresh or moist soil, especially light loam. It accommo- 

 dates itself to a different climate and soil, but the height- 

 growth falls off in due proportion. 



In its natural home the Douglas Fir is said to be very 

 hardy ; it is in Montana exposed to great winter cold, 

 and is found growing in the open. In the coast districts, 

 with a long growing season, it is said to suffer from early 

 frost. In Britain it has on the whole been found hardy ; 

 it has stood severe winter cold, but it seems liable to 

 suffer from late or early frost when young, at any rate 

 in Scotland, though not to an excessive extent. 



To what extent the Douglas Fir may be considered 

 storm-firm in Europe will depend on further experience ; 

 in Scotland many trees only 30 years old, grown in 

 fairly crowded plantations, have been thrown. In 

 exposed localities the leading shoots suffer to an exces- 

 sive extent. 



German foresters seem to consider the Douglas Fir to 

 be a moderately light-demanding species. The author 

 is more inclined to class it as a moderate shade-bearer, 

 standing near Spruce, or still nearer the Himalayan 

 Deodar. 



