APPENDIX. 137 



of success. The soils which will carry this are numerous 

 and widespread; but the most careful selection by the 

 skilled forester is imperative. Next to this, on soils which 

 will not carry larch, Scotch pine will probably yield the 

 greatest profit. The price per cubic foot will be less than 

 one half of larch ; but a great number of cubic feet can be 

 grown on an acre in from eighty to one hundred years. 



With hardwoods, such as oak, beech, elm, and others, 

 the returns will be longer delayed though the ultimate profit 

 may be equal. It should be borne in mind that we are 

 dealing with newly created areas and not with established 

 or ancient woodland, and the lesson we think is one which 

 will lean towards coniferous woods. 



Where the soil will grow larch, but when, at the same time, 

 there is probability of disease (due to low-lying land), a mixture 

 with Scotch or Corsican pine will better secure success ; but 

 mixed hardwoods we do not recommend. There will be 

 under such conditions lack of uniformity, unequal distri- 

 bution as time progresses, a mixed character of timber 

 unsuitable for trade purposes, and so on. Nevertheless, 

 hardwood and conifers in combination will be found desirable 

 and useful. The combination is one that tends to length 

 and natural pruning, which results in sound timber free 

 from knots and blemishes. 



It is not necessary to deal further with this section of 

 forestry, as it is one which, though of importance and full 

 of interest, must be treated according to local conditions 

 and opinions. The principle, however, is unassailable, that 

 pure planting, or one class of hardwood with one class of 

 conifer, will yield the most profitable return. 



Size and Form of Plantation, and Wind Belts. 

 Form is usually of an arbitrary character ; but when it is 

 possible to choose, a convex form should present itself to the 



