62 THE FOREST TREE CULTURIST. 
young, then plant very thickly, and thin out as requir- 
ed; but if only wanted when they: become large, then 
plant at a considerable distance, for if allowed plenty of 
room, they will of course grow more rapidly than when 
crowded. ‘The value of some kinds of timber is increased 
by the rapidity of its growth, but with other kinds, that 
which grows most slowly is the best. 
A Locust or Red Cedar that grows forty feet high in 
ten years is not so good as one that takes twenty years to 
reach that height. But a thrifty, rapid-growing Hickory is 
much tougher and better than one that grows very slowly. 
MIXING VARIETIES. 
Planting several kinds together is an old English cus- 
tom, the utility of which is at least questionable. No two 
varieties will grow with equal vigor upon the same soil, 
consequently the more rapid growing are constantly en- 
croaching upon the weaker. If a variety requires protec- 
tion, then plant a kind which does not need it in such a 
position as to afford that protection, but do not intermingle 
them. Let each kind be entirely separate, and still the 
weak will be benefited by the close proximity w tthe 
stronger. 
