60 



Characteristics of Common Forest Trees 

 3. Beech (Fagus sylvaticd). 



Fig. ii. 



BEECH 



(Fagus sylvatica). 



General. This species is chiefly valuable on account of its effect 

 on the soil fertility. It is intensely shade-bearing, and this property, 

 combined with a heavy leaf-fall, tends to accumulate a thick layer of 

 humus, which makes the beech unsuitable for game covers, as no 

 cover will grow beneath its shade. It is most excellent for mixing 

 with the more valuable light-demanding species of trees ; on the 

 Continent, it is used more generally for this purpose, as the timber 

 may be disposed of at a fair price. 



Distribution. This species is indigenous to this country and 

 is planted in Scotland. It is found throughout Europe and 

 Western Asia. 



So/7. The beech is the prevalent tree on chalk downs and thin 

 limestone soils. It is deep-rooted and storm-firm, and can stand a 

 considerable degree of cold in winter, but the young seedlings are 

 liable to injury by late spring frosts. For the production of first- 

 class timber, a middling depth of soil is required, and marls and 

 chalk show the finest specimens. 



Nursery treatment. The beech "mast," as the nuts are called, 

 ripens in the autumn and should be stored under cover until the 

 spring. Germination takes place about four weeks after planting 

 if the weather is favourable. A good sample should show a 

 germinating percentage of 50. 



