FORESTRY OF JAPAN. 23 



ing nature grows everywhere in this zone where the soil 

 retains the proper amount of humidity. The forests are treat- 

 ed by coppice system, and within quite recent times it grows 

 in many instances, mixed with Quercus serrata Thunb, and 

 Carpinus laxiflora Bl. 



There are two kinds of pine forests such as of pinus 

 densiflora S. et Z., and pinus thunbergii Parlat. ; the former 

 grows most extensively occupying as it does the first position 

 among conifers in this country. It grows thickly everywhere 

 from the southern extremity of Kyushu to the southern part 

 of Hokkaido with the exception of marshy places. This 

 tree thrives in clay or claysh soil on the dry and elevated land. 

 When the forests either on levels, hills, or mountainous districts 

 are deforested by the reckless felling or fires, this species 

 precedes other trees. In the southern part of Honshu, this 

 tree grows most prosperously in places 2,000 metres above sea 

 level. The nature of this species being light demanding it 

 does not thrive in shadowy places. It may be formed into 

 forests with favourable results either naturally or by means of 

 artificial planting. In most cases, it retains sylvan features 

 of pure forest but in some rare instances, it is artificially 

 grown mixed with bamboos and Quercus glandulifcra Bl. 

 Owing to the robust nature and the rapidity with which it 

 grows, this species is planted in the forests owned by the public 

 bodies, temples and shrines, and the private individuals. In 

 the southern as well as the central parts of Honshu, where as 

 the result of the abusive felling of trees, the land is impoveri- 

 shed, there is every indication that this species will come to 

 occupy a large tract of land in future. The wood bears yellow 



