THE BEECH. 'U-'i 



(Buckinghamshire). It is the best species for underplantiiig 

 open woods of valuable timber trees. 



h. Formdtioii af Woods. 



Beech is specially adapted for natural regeneration by seed 

 under shelter-woods, if the cuttings are arranged in a suitable 

 manner. Direct sowing and planting can also be done, but 

 the young crop must be sheltered whenever late frosts and 

 (brought are apprehended. 



The seed ripens in October, and falls shortly afterwards, 

 retaining its germinating power for about six months. Up to 

 80 or 90 per cent, have been found to germinate, but it is con- 

 sidered good seed if at least 50 per cent, germinate. One 

 pound of seed contains, on an average, about 2,000 nuts. 



Direct sowings may be made in autumn, or spring ; in the 

 former case the seeds are liable to attacks by animals, and 

 the seedlings, owing to their early sprouting, to damage by 

 spring frosts ; in the latter case the nuts must be kept in an 

 airy place or shed, and turned over periodically (during dry 

 weather towards spring it may be slightly sprinkled with 

 water to prevent drying up). If sown in spring, the nuts 

 sprout after four to six weeks. About 150 pounds of seed 

 per acre are required for broad-cast sowings, and propor- 

 tionally less for partial sowings. The nuts receive a covering 

 of three-quarters of an inch on soil of middling density, some- 

 what more on loose and a little less on heavy soil. 



In nurseries, the seed is generally sown in drills. The seed- 

 lings may be left in the seed bed for two .years, when they 

 are pricked out in lines, the latter being from 12 to 24 inches 

 apart, and the plants in the lines from 4 to 8 inches. When the 

 plants have stood two years in the lines, being then altogether 

 four years old, they are ready for putting out into the forest. 

 They are usually planted in pits from 3 to 4 feet apart. For 

 underplanting, two years old seedlings are frequently used. As 

 a general rule, the seedlings and young plants require protection 

 in the nursery against frost as well as against hot sun. 



