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CHAPTER VII. 



EFFECTS OF THINNING ON YOUNG PLANTATIONS. 



THE following is the system of thinning practised 

 by us, and which, after a trial of many years upon an 

 extensive scale, we find attended with such favourable 

 results as to inspire us with every confidence in 

 recommending it. 



No. 1 is an enclosure of 500 acres, and between 

 six and twelve years planted the youngest part six, 

 and the oldest twelve. It is situated between 500 

 and 800 feet above the level of the sea, and covers 

 both sides and top of the hill, which extends north 

 and south. The exposure is severe on all sides, but 

 more so on the north and east, which slopes towards 

 the sea, which is distant about four miles. On that 

 side all evergreens, including the Scots pine, are 

 seriously injured by the winter blasts. 



The plants are composed of Scots pine, larch, and a 

 slight mixture of Norway spruce and silver fir. 



The natural herbage consists of heath, some parts 

 whins, with a mixture of those grasses indigenous to 

 moor soils. 



The ground was all well drained previous to plant- 

 ing, and all well fenced, partly with turf dykes, partly 

 with wire fences, and partly with wooden paling. 



