11 



British timber trade. Although the wood is not durable in contact 

 with the soil, large quantities are used for cross-ties and pit props, 

 its value for such uses often being increased by impregnation with 

 wood preservatives. Small-sized material is widely used for staves, 

 heading, box boards, etc., but the largest use of the timber is for gen- 

 eral construction purposes. 



In planting, the trees may be spaced from 4 to 6 feet apart each 

 way. The exact distance will depend upon the site. On somewhat 

 unfavorable situations the closer spacing is advisable, but usually 

 5 by 5 feet apart is best. To secure proper form development the 

 trees require considerable crowding while young ; hence wide planting 

 should never be practiced. 



Although for favorable situations younger plant material may be 

 suitable, the use of 3-year-old transplants is advised. Scotch pine 

 may be grown either pure or mixed, but should never be associated 

 with heavy foliaged trees of equal or more rapid growth. Suitable 

 associates are European larch, Norway spruce, white pine, and red 

 pine. 



EUROPEAN LARCH (Larix europcea). 



The European larch is not indigenous to the United States. It is a 

 deciduous conifer similar in form and size to our native tamarack. 

 Small plantations of larch have been made throughout the Northern 

 States, and it is undoubtedly the most rapid-growing conifer suit- 

 able for planting in the region. 



Larch requires favorable soil conditions. The soil should be deep, 

 light, moderately fertile and fresh, and well drained both in the 

 upper layer and subsoil. When the land is wet the tree may start 

 vigorously, but it will soon become spongy at the base and rot. It 

 will grow on comparatively poor soil. 



The wood of larch is heavy, hard, strong, flexible, and very durable 

 in contact with the ground. When grown on good soil it is yellowish 

 white, but in cold, elevated situations it is reddish brown and much 

 harder. Because of its strength and durability it is very valuable for 

 posts, poles, cross-ties, etc., and is largely used in shipbuilding. 



Plantations may be established by the use of 2-year-old seedlings. 

 The planting should be done very early in the spring, since the 

 buds start early. The trees should be spaced 6 feet apart each way. 



Mixed plantations are most desirable, since European experience 

 shows that pure plantations of larch do not thrive for any length of 

 time. Chestnut and larch and red pine or white pine and larch are 

 admirable for planting on a large scale. In such mixtures the larch 

 should be in the proportion of one to three or more. 



[Cir. 100] 



