THE IMPORTANT SPECIES. 305 



in a fully stocked wood they would reach in about 200 

 years. 



ii. Lakch as Ovekwood. 



This being a quicker growing and shorter lived tree than 

 oak, the first specially heavy thinning and underplanting may 

 be done between the 15th and 30th year. The underwood 

 should consist of beech. Silver fir is also recommended, but 

 it grows slowly during the early part of its life. Another 

 species suitable for underplanting may be found in the 

 Douglas fir. Possibly Weymouth pine may answer. The 

 two last-mentioned species are of quick growth. 



In this manner about 75 larch trees per acre may be 

 brought to large timber size in 60 to 80 years. 



iii. Scotch Pine as Over-wood. 



The heavy thinning and underplanting may take place 

 between the 20th and 40th year. Beech is an excellent under- 

 wood, but spruce is also admissible in this case. Douglas 

 fir and Weymouth pine may do, where the locality is suitable. 

 The last-mentioned species grow so rapidly, that they will 

 reach timber size at the same time as the Scotch pine. 



iv. Otiieii Species as Overwood. 



Ash, elm and sweet chestnut may be treated in a manner 

 similar to that indicated for oak. Various other species, such 

 as spruce, silver fir and beech, either pure or mixed, have been 

 tried and recommended for treatment under this method, but 

 it would be beyond the scope of this manual to enter into a 

 discussion of the question, under what conditions and in how 

 far they are suited for the purpose. 



3. Execution of tJic If^orA". 



The selection of the trees for removal must be most care- 

 fully considered, as mistakes made in this respect are difficult 

 to rectify. The main point is, that almost from the first 

 thinning the trees likely to form the final crop are favoured 



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