MIXED AND PURE WOODS 51 



protection from the wind which the larch derive. 

 Beech and sycamore are quite as good as oak 

 for giving protection against the wind, and will 

 thrive on poorer soil. The advantage of planting 

 oak, where it is possible, is that the planter 

 has the chance that some of the oak may become 

 remunerative timber, and also the oak may be 

 useful for natural regeneration after the removal 

 of the larch. The introduction of broad-leaved 

 trees into what would be, if they were absent, 

 a pure larch plantation, can only be justified 

 financially if the situation is such that a few 

 trees can protect from wind a large area. If 

 a large extent of ground is occupied by such 

 trees, the protection which they give has been 

 bought too dearly. 



A large plantation of pure larch gives a planter 

 almost his only chance of a fair remuneration in his 

 lifetime for his outlay. The risk from disease and 

 gales is inevitable, but it may be reduced by choos- 

 ing a favourable site, with free drainage, ample 

 circulation of air, and protection from gales. 



Damp or confined positions in a pure larch 

 plantation should be planted with those trees 

 which thrive in these situations. Any land 

 which is unsuited for larch on account of sterility 

 of soil, altitude of situation, or exposure to 



