56 PRACTICAL FORESTRY. 



require more space than other hard woods, because 

 it is important that they should attain a large girth 

 with a medium height ; on the other hand, where 

 height is required, fairly close proximity must be 

 maintained for many years. 



With conifers, the distance apart in early growth is 

 a matter of the gravest consequence. As already 

 stated, if too close, the trees become weak and de- 

 pendent upon each other for support; if too wide 

 apart, they become laterally clothed with strong 

 branches, which is prejudicial to the development of 

 timber of fine quality. A medium distance, therefore, 

 is requisite, and the forester must endeavour to select 

 one that will secure both height and girth in fair pro- 

 portion. The lateral branches must die off, and not 

 be cut (in fact, pruning of any kind is an evil result- 

 ing from the neglect of well-known rules, and should 

 in really good forestry be unnecessary); and to secure 

 this, the trees must be sufficiently close. If too close, 

 however, the branches will die off before they have 

 performed their functions ; if too wide, it will be 

 necessary to cut them off, which, as before stated, 

 results in injury to the future timber. 



If large timber is desired, 5 feet is not too wide; 

 this yields sufficient protection, and allows the lateral 

 branches to cling long enough to assist in the develop- 

 ment of wood. From 15 to 20 years may elapse after 

 planting before any thinning will be required, and this 

 we consider preferable to the common practice of 

 thiqning at a much earlier period. It will be found 

 after a lapse of this period that the lateral branches 

 may be broken off sufficiently to enable the men to 



