88R NOTES ON BRITISH FOREST TREES. 



Another method, which is likely to yield satisfactory results, 

 is to grow Douglas fir and larch in alternate i-ows, 4 feet apart 

 in each direction. The larch will give a valuable early return, 

 leaving a pure wood of Douglas fir, or one mixed with a limited 

 number of larch trees, if the latter are not attacked by canker. 



e. SijlviruUtintl Sijslt'ms^. 



The Douglas fir seems suitable only for simple high 

 forest; it suffers too much from wind to be grown as a 

 standard in coppice. 



/. Formalion of Woods. 



So far the seed is very expensive, so that direct sowings 

 are out of the question. No experience has as yet been gained 

 regarding natural regeneration. For the present only planting 

 is practised. 



The seed* and seedlings are treated in the same manner as 

 those of the spruce. The seedlings must, however, receive 

 lateral shelter or light top shelter where late frosts are feared. 

 They may be pricked out when one or two years old, and 

 planted out into the forest after they have stood one or 

 two years in nursery lines ; their development is very rapid, 

 similar to that of larch, and they need not be placed nearer 

 than 4 feet apart. 



//. Tendinfi. 



Douglas fir seems quite capable of preserving the fertility 

 of the soil. 



How much the tree is likely to suffer from external dangers 

 in Britain will depend on further experience. So far it is 

 certain that it suffers somewhat from late frosts while young, 

 but is hardy afterwards. Dry winds are not likel}' to suit it. 

 Strong winds injure the leading shoots, and have also thrown 

 the tree in pure woods in Scotland. 



• A pound of suwl leceivcd I'nmi j\Ir. Cuniad Aii[i(_'l, J'anusladl, contained 

 45,000 grains, which i.roduccd 8.000 healthy secdhngs. 



