CHAP, viii.] Formation of Timber Crops 161 



their natural results in diseased growth of the trees and dis- 

 appointed hopes as to the financial returns anticipated. 



When soil and situation seem about equally favourable to 

 more than one kind of tree, prudential reasons will point to the 

 formation of mixed woods of those genera. And considerations 

 relative to the conservation of the productive capacity of the 

 soil will naturally lead to a shade-bearing, soil-protecting kind 

 forming the ruling species or matrix ; whilst the admixture 

 of subordinate genera may be formed either individually or 

 in small groups or patches, to such an extent as promises to 

 be most remunerative until the final clearance of the. crop 

 takes place on its ultimately attaining maturity. Of course, 

 when certain woods and assortments of timber have a good 

 local market, the ease and readiness with which the timber of 

 particular kinds, or classes, or qualities may be disposed of, 

 will naturally lead the proprietor to their cultivation, even in 

 preference to other genera for which the physical qualities of 

 the soil and the local peculiarities of the situation are perhaps 

 in reality better adapted. 



Owing to its comparatively low value as timber, the Beech 

 finds its place as the ruling tree solely with a view to the 

 conservation of the productive energy of the soil, and need not 

 be cultivated to any greater extent than this consideration 

 demands. But the indirect benefits thus conferred on the 

 lightly-foliaged trees grown in admixture with it enhance con- 

 siderably the returns obtainable in quantity, quality, and 

 monetary value from crops of Oak, Ash, Maple and Sycamore, 

 Elm, Pines, and Larch formed together with Beech. 



Where financial considerations have more weight given to 

 them than those concerning the outturn of timber of special 

 value for certain technical purposes (e. g. Oak for ship-building 

 before the days of Teak-lined iron steamships) there can be 

 no doubt that, for high-forest crops, the conifers, and, in par- 

 ticular, mixed woods of Spruce, Douglas Fir (a species very 

 strongly to be recommended), Menzies Spruce, Silver Fir, 



M 



