112 A European Method of Forest Planting. 



On the Management of Forest Plantations in Scotland. 



441. A Forester of great experience 1 has given the following 

 summary of the course usually pursued in the management of wood- 

 lauds in Scotland: " For ordinary planting, the size of plants pre- 

 ferred are one year as seedling and two years transplanted ; but for 

 bare heathery hills, that are much exposed, fir plants one year as 

 seedling and one year transplanted, or two years' seedling are con- 

 sidered best. These are planted by notching. 



442. " The most approved mode of planting coniferous trees here 

 is as follows: If the soil and situation are considered likely to pro- 

 duce larch (Larix Europea) to maturity as sound timber, it is gen- 

 erally planted as a pure crop, with a very slight intermixture of 

 silver fir (Abies pectinata) and Scot's fir (Pinus sylvestris) among the 

 larches. If there is any doubt of the larch being overtaken by 

 disease, then we plant larch and Scot's fir in equal numbers, at four 

 feet apart, regularly intermixing them. 



443. " In training them, the plantation may be trained up as a 

 mixed one, or if the larches prove healthy, it may be converted 

 wholly into a pure larch, or if otherwise, into a pure Scot's fir 

 plantation. Hence we plant a larger area under Scot's fir, with a 

 considerable mixture of larch, and often on soft moorland a consid- 

 erable number of spruce and silver fir ; but the ground, where re- 

 quiring it, is thoroughly drained first. The trees are put in by 

 slitting. 



444. "Oak and all other hard-wood trees are planted at from 12 to 

 15 feet apart, and the intermediate spaces are filled up generallv 

 with larch to four feet apart. A slight intermixture of other conif- 

 erous trees is often introduced, so as to augment the ornamental 

 character of the plantations. The larches and other firs are gradu- 

 ally thinned out as the plantation advances, leaving a few inter- 

 mixed for the ultimate crop. Oak and other hard-wood trees are 

 planted by pitting. 



445. " The thinning of fir plantations commences when they have 

 stood about ten years, and is repeated at intervals of 4 to 6 years, 



1 Mr. Wm. McCorquodale, who for 45 years has held the office of wood- 

 manager to the Earl of Mansfield. Mr. C. has also, during this period, sur- 

 veyed and reported upon the future management of over 160 other forest 

 estates in Scotland. 



