394 SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 



seldom be made on any but the very best localities, where, if 

 fortunate, the disease will not make its appearance. Some- 

 times, however, an owner is willing to take the risk of loss 

 from Larch disease ; and, if at the end of 20 to 25 years 

 there be 200 sound trees per acre, these can be underplanted 

 and should give most profitable returns ; and the small 

 diseased poles, which have been cut out, can be used for 

 rustic work, fencing, etc. 



On northern aspects, at a somewhat relatively high altitude, 

 Larch will often remain free from disease if the soil be really 

 suitable for its growth. 



But the disease is almost certain to occasion immense 

 damage wherever the conditions are unsuited to its growth ; 

 as, for instance, on unsuitable soil, on southern aspects, on flat 

 land, or on land liable to spring or autumn frosts. In many 

 cases the disease is noticed on trees planted on maiden land, 

 whereas it may be absent on similar localities from which a 

 crop of timber has been removed, where the soil is left well 

 aerated and covered with a good layer of humus. 



Then again, the disease is always more prevalent in 

 crowded plantations which need thinning, and where the free 

 circulation of air is impeded. 



However, in cases where it is particularly desired to grow 

 pure Larch to start with, as in places where the thinnings are 

 very saleable, a mixture of European and Japanese Larch 

 should be planted, for the latter have so far proved to be 

 more or less free from disease. By this means the risk is 

 lessened. 



In as much as pure crops of Larch are unable to protect 

 the soil, they must be underplanted before the land gets foul. 

 But it will almost always be preferable if they be first parti- 

 ally cleared from about the 3Oth to 4Oth year, and often much 

 earlier ; for the trees cannot have too much light and air as 

 they approach maturity. 



Beech, Spanish Chestnut, Douglas Fir, Thuya gigantea 

 and Silver Fir may be used for this underplanting. But 

 Beech or Spanish Chestnut are particularly suitable, as the 

 soil improves so much under their thick fall of leaves ; and 



