92 ENGLISH ESTATE FORESTRY 



size to a moderate distance from the stem. An examination 

 of the stem of an old or middle-aged larch tree will reveal 

 this fact at once. The main stem appears to divide into 

 three or four at the surface, and to form enormous tentacles, 

 which creep along, rather than under, the surface of the 

 ground to a great distance. If the tree happens to stand on 

 a bank, the upper parts of these roots are practically exposed 

 to the atmosphere, and resemble downward extensions of the 

 main stem rather than roots. 



The natural habit of the larch is, therefore, that of a 

 surface feeder in the fullest sense of the word, for if other 

 conditions are suitable it will live on almost bare rock or 

 the thinnest layer of soil. The natural inference from this 

 peculiar root system is, that it is a tree better adapted than 

 most for growing on rocky acclivities, and the sides of ravines 

 where ample surface space but little depth are at its disposal. 

 Under such conditions it grows in the Alps, and it doubtless 

 owes the gradual evolution of its root system from that 

 prevailing in ordinary coniferous trees to these peculiar 

 conditions. 



With the above facts before us, it is not difficult to 

 imagine the most suitable kind of soil in which larch will 

 probably come to perfection. On dry soils its shallow roots 

 will be unable to obtain the necessary amount of moisture, 

 and it is not surprising to find it fail after a few years when 

 planted on them. On soils, again, which are thick and close 

 in their texture, like clay, and the surface of which is covered 

 with a rank growth of grass and weeds, development of the 

 roots is checked on the surface, while the soil beneath is 

 either too impervious to air to promote their healthy growth. 

 Old arable land, which after the first few years after planting 

 is loose and porous, but which gradually settles down close and 

 compact, while the subsoil becomes waterlogged through the 

 choking of drains, cannot be expected to grow larch of any age, 

 as in such cases the roots are encouraged to develop at depths 

 which afterwards prove unsuitable for them, and the trees get 

 into an unhealthy state. Soils which contain large quantities 

 of iron are usually unsuited for larch-growing, as compact pans 

 are formed which check aeration and favour stagnation. 



Loose surface soils which contain sufficient moisture in 



