ECONOMIC VALUE OF FOREST FLORA 211 



The former can probably produce a greater bulk of timber 

 in a given time than any tree capable of growing in the 

 British Isles. At Muckross, near Killarney, specimens 

 grown amongst larch contain 80 cubic feet of timber at 

 the age of thirty-five years, and there appears to be 

 nothing to prevent a yield of 200 cubic feet per acre per 

 annum being given by this species when planted as a pure 

 or permanent crop. The timber is coarse, soft, and brittle, 

 but is quite well adapted for box-wood, and many other 

 purposes of a temporary nature for which cheap timber is 

 now used. 



Oiipressus Tnacrocarpa is also a wonderfully rapid 

 grower, and has the advantage of producing very fine- 

 grained and apparently durable timber. GroAvn in close 

 order it produces straight and clean boles, and on dry 

 soils within the influence of sea wind this species should 

 have a future before it. 



Unfortunately both these species are probably the most 

 difficult of any to transplant under ordinary conditions, and 

 it is only by constant transplanting, and the choice of mild, 

 damp weather for the work, that any degree of success 

 can be expected unless they are raised in pots. The use 

 of one-year seedlings, one-year transplanted trees, appears 

 to give the best results. 



For wet, swampy situations at low levels black Italian 

 poplar, grey poplar, alder, and the two tree willows may 

 also be included in this class. Their ability to grow on 

 partially drained land, otherwise useless for most purposes, 

 and their rapid rate of growth and adaptability for many 

 classes of work for which cheap timber will always be 

 used, entitle these species to special attention on the part 

 of planters. Wood for packing boxes, indoor fittings, etc., 

 can always be obtained from them, and in any large 

 scheme of afforestation they must take an important 

 although not perhaps a leading part, in securing good 

 returns. 



