SPANISH CHESTNUT 373 



it has been planted out 3 or 4 years, for transplanting checks 

 it ; but, after then, its growth is very rapid in suitable local- 

 ities. The tree has a great power of reproduction from 

 stools, and the stools are very long-lived. It also throws out 

 suckers to a considerable extent. The side branches are 

 rather persistent ; and a close canopy is necessary, in order to 

 effect natural pruning, and to prevent the development of 

 side branches. The tree, even when well grown, has a very 

 considerable taper ; more so than any other tree grown under 

 similar conditions. 



The foliage is fairly dense, and the leaves form good 

 humus, and improve the soil ; and pure forest is usually quite 

 admissible. It is one of the most profitable broad-leaved 

 trees that can be largely planted, coming next to Black Poplar 

 and Ash. 



Permanent even-aged mixtures by single trees will not 

 usually give satisfactory results for the whole mixture. 



Chestnut and Ash, or Chestnut and Larch, makes a very 

 good mixture, however mixed ; though the Chestnut will be 

 coarse, and should, in most cases, be periodically coppiced. 

 By this means (under the system of high forest with coppice), 

 the soil will be kept very clean, and the best Ash or Larch 

 will be grown, if only the locality be suitable. 



Spanish Chestnut coppice is, along with Ash, the most 

 valuable. 



Spanish Chestnut is very suitable for underplanting Oak, 

 or Ash, or Larch. 



The thinnings may usually be left to natural agencies, 

 until the trees are 25 feet high. 



The thinnings are amongst the most saleable and valuable 

 of any species, and should therefore be included in many 

 mixtures by single trees, even if they are not required for the 

 final crop. 



They will prune all their broad-leaved neighbours (except 

 Poplars) very well. They are, however, an expensive tree to 

 plant. 



Rotation. In high forest 70 years. Though, in moist 

 climates and on good soils the rotation may be somewhat 



