52 Practical Forestry 



more valuable than that of the English species, and is used for 

 similar purposes and also as a substitute for ash. It is very 

 liable to become rotten at the core. 



The Alder and its Uses. Whether viewed from a 

 strictly commercial standpoint, for its justly recognized 

 capacity for thriving luxuriantly where few other trees 

 could exist, or for its ornamental qualities, the common 

 alder will be found to rank high among British forest trees. 

 It usually attains to a height of from 50 ft. to 60 ft., with a 

 stout, well branched trunk that is more or less gnarled and 

 fluted. The branches have an upward inclination, and are 

 well clothed with roundly wedge-shaped leaves that are of 

 a deep, dark green colour. With age the bark usually 

 assumes a dark brown, or almost black, colour. The alder 

 is found in all parts of Europe, North Africa, and from Asia 

 to Japan. For planting in wet, even swampy, situations, 

 where only a very limited number of trees could eke out an 

 existence, the alder is of particular value, and it is in such 

 situations that it attains to the largest size and produces 

 the greatest quantity of timber. Even in situations where 

 the poplar and willow find a difficulty in battling with the 

 excessive and stagnant moisture the alder thrives luxuri- 

 antly and reproduces itself freely from seed. As an orna- 

 mental tree the alder is not much in request, although the 

 stately habit and ample deep green foliage render it of value 

 in that respect. The fine old specimens by the river and 

 stream sides at Esher Place in Surrey, have a beauty that 

 is quite their own, and it is in such tranquil situations that 

 the tree is seen to perfection the beauty of form and 

 picturesque appearance causing it to be unrivalled in river 

 and lake scenery. The tree is readily propagated and com- 

 paratively cheap in consequence, grows rapidly after becom- 

 ing established, and is not subject to disease or premature 

 decay. 



Though soft, the timber of the alder is in much request, 

 and in consequence numerous wants are supplied by it. It 

 is very durable under water, and for this reason is largely 

 employed for piles, bridge foundations, water pipes, and for 

 lining the banks of rapid running streams and rivers. The 



