210 THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRITISH FORESTRY 



this over other trees is noticed. While the quahty of the 

 timber is probably no better than, if as good as that of 

 clean, slow-grown Norway spruce, it is certainly as good as 

 any other species of the Picea genus, and has the additional 

 merit of growing faster than any under ordinary circum- 

 stances. But its great value consists, as already indicated, 

 in its ability to grow on the wet, sour soils of hillsides, 

 bogs, and wind-swept aspects near the coast, and this is 

 being more and more recognised yearly. In various parts 

 of the British Isles it has attained a height of well over 

 100 feet, and girths of 15 to 20 feet at breast height. 

 The latter are chiefly due to wide planting, and it is 

 evident that close order must be maintained to grow 

 commercial timber. Fortunately the seed of this tree is 

 cheap and plentiful, and although delicate as a one-year 

 seedling, and very sensitive to drought and late frost, 

 no serious difficulties arise in either its raising or trans- 

 planting. 



Although a great deal has frequently been said and 

 written in favour of Thuia gigantea, it is difficult for the 

 average forester to recognise in this species a valuable 

 timber tree. It grows well on damp or peaty soils in humid 

 districts, but stands persistent wind badly, and gives little 

 or no indication of growing to a great size. The most 

 favourable specimens as timber trees are probably those 

 at Gairletter, on the Benmore estate, Argjdlshire, where 

 clean trees, 70 feet or more in height, and 12 to 18 inches 

 in diameter at breast height, may be seen. At Powers- 

 court, where this tree has also been planted extensively, 

 Mr. Laird, the forester, states that many trees are affected 

 with heart-rot at a comparatively early age. 



As valuable trees in localities near the coast-line of 

 Ireland, Wales, the south of England, west of Scotland, or 

 wherever the thermometer in the screen can be relied 

 upon to keep above the zero of Fahrenheit, Pinus 

 insignis and Cupressus macrocarpa may be mentioned. 



