62 ENGLISH WOODLANDS 



during the first winter and sown in the following 

 April in beds 4 feet wide. The young seedlings 

 bear transplanting very well. In every wood, 

 where the ground is suitable, some ash should 

 be planted. After the early stages of growth 

 ash requires ample space, and at every thinning 

 should be freed from the encroachments of the 

 adjoining trees. Fifteen feet is the minimum 

 distance apart of ash 25 feet high, unless the 

 situation is exceptionally favourable and the 

 trees have strong as well as tall, clean boles. 

 When the trees have finished height-growth 

 they should be at least 20 to 24 feet apart. 

 There is a strong belief among woodmen that 

 self-sown ash are not so liable to be bitten by 

 rabbits as transplants. 



Among the poplars the variety sold by nursery- 

 men under the name of Black Italian seems to 

 have entirely superseded the English Black 

 Poplar, as being of quicker growth and improved 

 quality. It is a tree of extraordinary rapidity 

 of growth, and attains great size. The timber 

 is soft wood, but it is strong, does not splinter, 

 nor easily catch fire. It is very useful for in- 

 side work, such as flooring, as boards for railway 

 wagons, or as wooden breaks and packing- 

 cases. It grows in damp soils, requires an 



