202 TREATMENT OF COPPICE SYSTEMS 



wood of that species than for mixed underwood ; for in the 

 latter case they have to seek another outlet for produce they 

 do not require. 



Alder coppice wood will almost invariably be grown 

 pure ; not only on account of its special market, but also 

 because the soil to which it is suited will not admit of the 

 usual species being grown. 



The .cultivation of Osiers can hardly be regarded as a 

 branch of forestry ; very useful information with reference to 

 its cultivation will, however, be found in the Board of Agri- 

 culture Leaflet, No. 36. 



COPPICE WITH STANDARDS. 



Having regard to the low prices that obtain for coppice 

 produce, there can be no doubt that when dealing with an 

 area under coppice with standards, every effort should be made 

 to produce a maximum amount of standards, and to insure 

 that they are of the highest quality that can be grown. 



The quantity of underwood that may be produced is a 

 matter of small importance in comparison with the overwood. 

 The underwood should be looked upon chiefly as a means 

 of naturally pruning the young standards and of drawing 

 them up ; of protecting the soil from the effects of wind and 

 insolation ; and of affording sufficient covert for game. 



If strict attention be paid to this, an area under coppice 

 with mixed standards of Larch, Ash, and Oak will prove far 

 more remunerative than an equal area under even-aged high 

 forest of Oak ; and very nearly as profitable as a similarly 

 grown crop of Ash or Larch. 



With this object in view, it is imperative to have a long 

 rotation for the underwood, especially in the case of Oak and 

 Ash, otherwise these trees soon cease in height growth and 

 develop crowns in early life. 



These latter trees can often be grown to perfection along 

 with Alder coppice (on a long rotation). 



A rotation of from 18 to 26 years should generally be 

 adopted to effect this end ; by such means the standards 

 will be well pruned by the underwood to a height of about 



