158 THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRITISH FORESTRY 



replanting might be reduced considerably in the future 

 by a more plentiful use of beech. 



For wind resistance the silver fir deserves special 

 mention for exposed sites. This species probably reaches 

 a greater height in the teeth of the wind than any 

 other, and as it bears sea wind well it can be used where 

 many species fail from the influence of salt alone. Its 

 best results as a wind resister are seen when planted in 

 belts or screens across the direction of the prevailing 

 wind, and if these belts were formed on systematic lines, 

 the production of timber on many exposed districts 

 might be increased by 20 or 30 per cent., owing to 

 the additional height growth alone, leaving out of account 

 other favourable effects of shelter and immunity against 

 wind damage. 



In the drier and warmer soils or climates, Corsican 

 pine may be included amongst wind - resisting species, 

 using it for belts in the same way as silver fir. On soft 

 or shallow ground it is liable to be blown over when 

 ten or twelve feet in height, but if this stage is once 

 passed the tree soon secures a firm hold of the soil, and 

 if mixed with beech to thicken the canopy, a thick and 

 permanent wind-break is formed. 



In addition to these species, any deep-rooting, broad- 

 leaved tree, especially ash, oak, and sycamore, prevent 

 extensive windfalls in coniferous woods, although they 

 do not attain the height in the face of wind necessary 

 to provide sufficient shelter for the leading shoots of 

 other species. They are better adapted for the margins 

 than for the interior of the woods, unless grown for their 

 own sake as timber. 



Temporary species adapted for early thinnings are 

 chiefly represented by larch, which is the only pole 

 timber readily saleable before the thirtieth or fortieth 

 year. One-half to three-fourths of the timber originally 



