SOIL AND THE SELECTION OF SPECIES. 31 



heavy soils are better adapted for broad-leaved species, and 

 lighter soils for conifers. There are, however, exceptions ; 

 spruce, for instance, does well on heavy soils. A medium 

 class of soils, called loam, practically suits all species ; in the 

 same degree as the soil becomes heavier, broad-leaved species 

 should prevail, and rice versa. The final selection of the 

 right species is a difficult task, and the subject must be studied 

 in detail. 



Amongst the mountain and heath land of this country areas 

 are, no doubt, found, which can at once be planted with the 

 more exacting species, but as the greater part of it has 

 deteriorated in consequence of long exposure, it will, in the 

 majority of cases, be advisable to let the first crop be a non- 

 exacting conifer, such as Scotch, Weymouth and Corsican 

 pine, and, in suitable localities, larch. These species will 

 gradually improve the land, so that they can be followed by 

 more exacting species. 



2. Pure Woods or Mixed Woods ? * 



The question whether to grow woods consisting of one 

 species only, or woods containing two or more species 

 intermixed, presents itself to every proprietor and forester 

 in this country. Taste, as well as considerations based on 

 economic grounds, differ much on this subject, and it seems 

 worth while enquiring in which cases and under what conditions 

 the one or other class of wood is indicated. 



As to the question of taste, it is impossible to evolve any 

 rule. Some proprietors prefer pure, others mixed woods. If 

 we ask Nature, the answer no doubt will be, that in by far the 

 majority of cases mixed woods are the rule, though the species 

 may be arranged in groups of greater or smaller extent, accord- 

 ing to the character of the locality, and the requirements of 

 the several species. Many people think, that the old woods 

 here and there found in this country are natural woods, but 



* See pages 08 to 88 of "Scklich's Manual of Forestry," Vol. II., third 

 edition. 



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