59S FOREST LITTER. 



duced annually. At the same time the accumulation is limited, 

 as the lower layers are constantly decomposing and only the 

 upper layers are available litter. In this respect investigation 

 has led to the adoption of the following average figures per 

 acre : — 



A cubic meter (35*3 cubic feet) of air-dried litter (15 — 20 % 

 water) well compressed is of the following weight : — 



Kilos. Lbs. per cubic foot. 



Beech 81-5 5 



Spruce 1G8-4 10-5 



Scotch pine 117'3 7'3 



Hence the yield of litter may be calculated in stacked cubic 

 meters or in waggon-loads per acre (as in the following state- 

 ment) as waggons drawn by two horses usually carry 5 stacked 

 cubic meters (176"5 cubic feet) of litter : — 



2. Moss- Litter. 



The forest is the home of most mosses, and especially of the 

 larger species which may be used for litter. The growth of 

 moss generally depends on the presence of damp soil and air, 

 and a certain amount of cover. Only a few mosses can stand 

 full exposure to light. Some kinds of forest mosses only 

 exceptionally form large tufts, whilst other gregarious mosses 

 under favourable circumstances may carpet the ground over 

 extensive areas. If these carpets are formed of the larger kinds 

 of moss, they yield a very important form of litter. 



