DISTANCES OF HARD WOODS. 59 



be allowed from the first, and each tree should have 

 ample room. We do not, however, imply from this 

 isolation and exposure. 



We must in future sections on thinning and pruning 

 draw attention again to these important considerations, 

 because both these operations, as we have before 

 implied, are dependent upon the choice of distance. 



To come to some conclusion, however, which may 

 serve as a guide to the young forester, we may take, 

 when planting conifers alone for timber purposes, a 

 distance of not less than 4 feet and not more than 5 

 feet When planting for hop-poles, 2 J to 3 feet ; and 

 for pit-props 3 to 3^ feet. If our object is the rearing 

 of hard woods, the distance may range from 12 to 20 

 feet ; in which case we should make up with conifers 

 4 feet apart. We should ourselves, if planting oaks, 

 take 12 feet in medium soils, and 16 feet in the best 

 clay loams. In the case of beech (if artificially reared), 

 we should prefer from 12 to 15 feet ; if, as is often the 

 case, beech is naturally reproduced, the distance will 

 be governed by circumstances. In other cases the 

 distances will range, as suggested, from 12 to 16 feet, 

 in accordance with the object in view. 



We have to deal now with the distribution of trees. 

 This also is an important link in the long chain which 

 we are endeavouring successfully to forge. The choice 

 of trees in the first instance will depend upon the soil 

 and the local demand. What tree, or what trees, are 

 best adapted to the soil to be dealt with? What 

 timber is there most demand for in the immediate 

 locality? These are questions which will naturally 

 force themselves on the mind of the forester before he 



