;552 NOTES ON l!l;ITISH FO|{j;sT TREKS. 



//. Itlslrihiilioii. 



Europe, Northern Africa, temperate Asia. Indigenous in 

 Britain ; goes up to nearly 1,900 feet in the Highlands, and to 

 5,000 feet in the Alps. 



r. Ldcallli/. 



Climate. — Frost hardy, does not like great heat. Stands 

 some shade. 



Soil. — To grow well, hazel requires a porous, fresh soil, 

 which need not be deep ; it avoids swampy ground. 



d. Shdjw anil hvrcloimicni. 



It grows quickly, is generally a shrub and sometimes a tree 

 up to 30 feet high. Does not reach a great age, perhaps 70 

 to 80 years. 



('. li('i>roLlvclive Power. 



It bears full crops almost every yeai-, commencing at an age 

 of about 10 years. The reproductive power from the stool is 

 good, and the latter last long. The shoots start mostly below 

 the surface. 



f. Character of Woods. 



It has a beneficial effect upon the soil. 



//. Sjilriridlural jSi/sle/iis. 



It is generally grown as coppice, as underwood under 

 standards, soil protection wood under oak, also suitable for 

 hedges. 



//. Fonnalidii of Woods. 



From seed, or by layers. 



The fruits ripen in September, and fall from October 

 onwards ; they retain their germinating power for about six 

 months. The nuts must be well covered with earth and 

 protected against mice. 



/. Ti'ihliHil. 



The young plants must Ix; protected against cattle, deer 

 and rabbits. 



