60 PRACTICAL FORESTRY. 



commences to plant. He knows that to plant oak on 

 light or thin soils will result in failure ; he knows, 

 too, that to plant ash on poor meagre soils will also 

 result in disappointment; to plant trees loving a moist 

 soil and a sheltered position on exposed and dry soils 

 cannot but bring discredit upon his work. It is there- 

 fore clear that he must thoroughly acquaint himself 

 with the character of the soil he has to deal with, and 

 the contour, altitude, and aspect of his site. He must 

 endeavour to distribute the trees so that each variety 

 may obtain what it naturally requires, and not try to 

 force an unnatural regularity for the sake of uniformity. 

 For uniformity in Nature does not exist. 



Again, it is necessary in the development of timber 

 to secure a uniform and level growth. Throughout 

 the future the forester should endeavour to obtain an 

 unbroken leafy canopy, and this he cannot obtain if the 

 trees are irregular in growth. True forestry greatly 

 consists of this uniform and regular growth, this 

 gradual and even development of timber, this mutual 

 dependence on each other for support. By it is 

 secured the greatest amount of humidity, and the 

 least amount of draught and exposure. Compare it 

 with a plantation of uneven growth, where trees are of 

 mixed character, and of unequal size and develop- 

 ment. Here we find a beech occuping great space, to 

 the destruction of more valuable timber ; an ash, 

 drawn up to an unnatural height, and totally depend- 

 ent for support upon its fellows ; an oak, so deformed 

 as to be absolutely useless, except for firewood ; dead 

 trees, which have died from drip, and from want of air 

 and light ; trees with meagre tops like palms, and 



