370 NOTES ON BRITISH FOREST TREES. 



f. Cliurorli'r and Co/iijiosilion of Wooi/s. 



The Austrian pine appears in extensive pure woods in its 

 natural home, and it is better suited to be so grown than the 

 Scotch pine, because it has a denser crown, whicli sliades the 

 soil better, preserves a complete leaf canopy to a more 

 advanced age, and acts beneficially on the fertility of the 

 locality. It can be mixed with the same species as Scotch 

 pine, but demands more protection against being outgrown 

 and suppressed. It does not require underplanting to the 

 same extent as Scotch pine. 



I/. StjJvknJtural Systems. 



High forest with clear cutting, but also the shelter-wood 

 systems. It can be used as nurses over and between lender 

 species ; makes a good wind break along the edges of woods. 



h. Formation of Woods. 



Planting is the rule, but sowing and natural regeneration 

 under a shelter- wood, or by adjoining woods, are also practised. 



The seed ripens at the end of October in the second year, 

 and falls towards and during the following spring. It retains 

 its germinating power for 2 to 3 years. Of good seed 70 

 per cent, should be capable of germinating. About 24,000 

 clean seeds go to the pound. 



The treatment of the seed and seedlings in the nursery is 

 the same as for the Scotch pine. 



/. Tend'nKj. 



This is similar to that of the Scotch pine. The Austrian 

 pine is exposed to the same dangers as the Scotch pine, but in 

 a less degree ; from snow and rime it suffers, however, some- 

 what more. It has the same insect enemies as Scotch pine, 

 but is less frequently injured. A snail {BuUmus delictus) is an 

 especial foe to young plants, which it kills by eating the last 

 year's needles in spring. 



