Underplanting 97 



the older trees, and hence the necessity for choosing 

 kinds that will thrive in partial shade. Among the 

 summer-leafing trees the best for underplanting is the 

 Beech, of which in certain forests of the north of Europe 

 trees of 50 to 60 feet may be seen thriving under Pines 

 nearly 100 feet high, and both close set. Interaction of 

 the roots of trees of different kinds is rather beneficial 

 than otherwise. After the Beech may be named the 

 Hornbeam, Oak, Ash, and, on sandy or rocky soils, the 

 Chestnut (not the Horse Chestnut, which is not a 

 Chestnut at all). Most of the trees named— except the 

 Ash — are not very subject to the attacks of rabbits, and 

 they also bear planting as saplings of 7 to 9 feet, though 

 beyond that size it is risky. In all cases we must avoid 

 trees too old for transplanting. We cannot with success 

 plant Pines of large size, but with a little care in buying 

 from forest nurseries we can get tall saplings of the 

 summer-leafing trees that will grow well. 



Among Firs the best for underplanting is the Silver 

 Fir, which may often be seen in the German forests 

 growing well under the other trees, all closely set. 

 Spruce, in wet land, is also good ; and in our southern 

 and western country the Douglas Fir is excellent and 

 soon gets its head up among the other trees, the shelter 

 of which is a help to it at first. Yew too is useful. 



The effect of underplanting in the best cases is excel- 

 lent, and woods treated in this way can be very beautiful, 

 varied, and full of life; but in order to enjoy such woods 

 well-considered rides should be made through them, so 

 that they may be airy and accessible in all weathers. 

 Where, as is often the case, the outer parts of a Pine 

 wood look thin and scraggy, the variety in the Pine 

 family is such that we may help and shelter the older 



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