GOOD MIXTURES 103 



mixtures, provision should always be made, if possible, to 

 insure that the trees removed as thinnings are easily saleable. 

 The most saleable trees, when small, are usually Larch, Ash, 

 and Spanish Chestnut. But, of course, very often they 

 cannot be sacrificed. 



(B) Uneven-Aged Mixtures. 1 As regards uneven-aged 

 mixtures, it is necessary to bear in mind that the younger 

 trees must always be able to bear the shade of the older 

 trees. 



The following are some notes on particular mixtures by 

 single trees or alternate rows 2 in even-aged high forest, 

 unless otherwise stated, supposing that soil and situation be 

 favourable ; and they have reference chiefly to the questions 

 of relative height growth, and the mutual pruning of side 

 branches ; leaving out of account financial considerations. 



Good or Pair Mixtures. 



Oak and Beech quite good. The Beech will often, how- 

 ever, catch the Oak up ; therefore it is always best to grow 

 the Oak pure, and to underplant, at about 45 years of age 

 with Beech, and thus make a two-storied high forest. This 

 should give most excellent results. 



Oak and Spanish Chestnut. A very good mixture, if the 

 Chestnut be coppiced before the Oak is surpassed ; then the 

 Oak should be grown as high forest with coppice. The 

 best plan with Oak, however, is to grow them pure, and 

 underplant when from 40 to 55 years of age ; afterwards the 

 undercrop may be coppiced if suitable. It must be re- 

 membered that only a very small proportion of any Oak 

 trees originally planted will be growing vigorously and be 

 worth leaving at 40 years of age. Hence it is advisable to 

 grow the crop pure, so as to have a large choice. For if the 

 ultimate result is to be successful, only quick-growing, vigorous 

 trees must be left. Hornbeam may take the place of either 

 Spanish Chestnut or Beech, though it is not so profitable. 



1 Vide Chapter VIII. 



2 As already stated, the disadvantages can often be lessened or 

 avoided by planting I row in 4 or 5, etc. 



