CLIMATE AND SOIL. 19 



spruce, frequently an inferior quality has been produced, 

 because the trees were given too much growing space, and 

 in consequence laid on too broad annual rings. Proper 

 sylviculture can remedy this. 



On the other hand, the imported timber of nearly all 

 species comes to us in pieces which are straighter and more 

 free of knots than the ordinary home-grown timber. This is, 

 again, clue to faulty sylviculture in our own woodlands. Too 

 heavy thinnings and too much growing space to the individual 

 tree while young account for this. If we treat our forests 

 in a more rational manner, we shall produce just as fine 

 timber as that now imported. 



As regards the climate, there is practically nothing better to 

 be desired as far as the production of timber is concerned, 

 however unpleasant it may be in other respects. We have, 

 generally speaking, mild winters and cool summers. Of rain 

 we have plenty, often too much, while snow and ice are not 

 nearly so frequent as in other northern European countries. 

 Unfortunately, of gales and strong winds we have more than a 

 fair share, but, with proper management, their injurious effect 

 upon forest growth can be considerably reduced. Let foresters 

 commence cutting in the east and gradually proceed to the 

 west, and the damage by gales will be only a fraction of what 

 it is, if the reverse direction is followed. On the whole, 

 our climate, at any rate up to the centre of Scotland, though 

 it may not be equal to that of a great portion of France, 

 compares favourably with that of Northern Germany, Norway, 

 Sweden, and Northern Russia, whence we import some six 

 million tons of timber a year. 



In coming now to the question of soil, I may say we have it 

 of good, bad, and indifferent quality, just as in the above 

 mentioned countries. There is, however, one great draw- 

 back in the case of afforesting land which has been lying 

 waste for long periods of time, as it has suffered in yiefd 

 capacity, owing to continued exposure and the dissipation 

 of all organic matter. In such cases there will be some 



