56 Chai'acteristics of Common Forest IVees 



Sandy soils, although possessing natural drainage, usually 

 produce many specimens hollow at the base. Trees in this 

 condition are known to the practical man as being " pumped." 

 The ideal site for the larch is a fairly steep slope, with a subsoil 

 of rotten rock, and possessing plenty of moisture ; but it must be 

 absolutely free from stagnation. An eastern aspect should be 

 avoided at all times (see Nursery, p. 7). 



This valuable species is, unfortunately, especially subjected 

 to severe attacks of both insects and fungi, and these can only 

 be kept in check by maintaining a free and vigorous growth ; 

 at times it may be necessary to sacrifice the cleanness of the 

 timber by vigorous thinning, as the effect of this is to give an 

 increased vitality to the remaining trees. It is only during the 

 first fifteen years of its life that infection from the larch disease 

 is likely. 



Nursery treatment. It is important that the seed be selected 

 from sound, well-grown trees. 



Diseased trees are especially prolific in bearing cones, and 

 when these are gathered for a fixed price per bushel, it is probably 

 too often the case that many are gathered from infected trees. 

 It is unlikely that this disease is ever transmitted through the 

 seed ; yet, at the same time, seed from a diseased tree is unlikely 

 to produce so vigorous a plant as that obtained from sound, 

 specimens. Imported seed is preferred by many and it has much in 

 its favour, for the probability is that it has been collected from 

 healthy trees. 



The seed is usually sown broadcast and should be covered very 

 thinly. The seedlings may be lined out the following year, and 

 should be left in the lines for two years. There is some difference 

 in the size of the transplants, and it is the opinion of many 

 practical foresters that the weaker plants are obtained from 

 the seed which grew at the apex of the cone. 



The effect of a pure larch wood is not conducive to the upkeep 

 of the fertility of the soil. It is essential that the larch, as a 

 light-demanding tree, has a good supply of light and air ; hence 

 a growth of surface herbage is always present when the larch is 



