882 NOTES ON BRITISH FOREST TREES. 



and Washington, and in the coast districts of British Cokimbia, 

 a[)]ji-oximately bet^Yeen the 40th and 50th degrees of hititnde. 

 These territories have an annual rainfall of about 65 inches, 

 with a moist atmosphere, the climate being comparativel}' 

 mild. As regards soil, it appears that a deep, fertile, and at 

 least fresh, sandy loam suits the tree best. Under the most 

 favourable conditions it here attains a height of about 

 300 feet. It seems to avoid stiff clay and also poor, sandy 

 soils as well as chalk soils. 



In the mountains of Montana, with a comparatively small 

 rainfall of about 24 inches and a dry atmosphere, the Douglas 

 fir reaches, if grown on the most suitable soil, a height not 

 exceeding 150 feet, which however is also the limit in the 

 coast districts, if the tree is grown on moderately fertile soil. 

 On poor soil, even in the latter districts, the maximum height 

 is frequently found to be 100 feet or even less. 



From these data it appears that the Douglas iir, if it is to 

 do well, requires a moist climate and a deep, fertile, fresh or 

 moist soil, especially light loam. It accommodates itself to a 

 different climate and soil, but the heiglit growth falls off in 

 due proportion. 



In its natural home the Douglas fir is said to be very hardy ; 

 in Montana it is exposed to great winter cold, and is found 

 growing without shelter. In the coast districts, with a long 

 growing season, it is said to suffer from early frost. In 

 Britain it has on the whole been found hardy. 



Two distinct varieties are now recognised, known in 

 Britain as the Pacitic or fast growing variety, and the 

 Colorado or slower growing variety. The former is liable to 

 suffer from early autumn frosts in the north of England 

 and in Scotland ; hence its cultivation can be recommended 

 for the south and west of England and Ireland. The 

 Colorado variety is hardier, and is, therefore, preferred for 

 cultivation in the north. It has, however, been observed 

 that it sprouts earlier in spring, and is, ilKu-ofore. soniowhat 

 more exposed to damage by spring frosts. 



