Picea 



1357 



" By dividing the trees into three stem classes, a volume of 9600 cubic feet was obtained. Assuming 

 the estimate of 8600 ft. to be correct, the average contents of the trees is about 50 ft., and the total yield 

 per acre would be over 12,000 cubic ft., which for the period of eighty years is higher than anything I 

 have heard of in Great Britain. 



"Within recent years, trees similar in size to those still standing have been 

 removed, and the stumps still exist. It is quite possible, therefore, that the existing 

 crop is smaller in volume than that which stood on the ground a few years ago. 

 The high yield isy of course, largely due to the exceptionally favourable soil and 

 situation of the site on which the trees were grown. A fine, rich, and well-drained 

 soil, well provided with soil and atmospheric moisture, and a situation sheltered from 

 all winds, provide ideal conditions for the growth of spruce or any other tree able to 

 thrive with a moderate amount of summer heat. Oak and beech growing in the 

 immediate vicinity of these trees are very poorly developed and covered with lichen 

 and moss, indicating the cool and humid conditions which prevail." 



Timber 



Next to that of the Scots pine, the wood of the spruce is the largest import 

 from the Baltic ; and from Norway the proportion of spruce timber is probably 

 greater. On account of climatic and economic causes, it seems probable that this 

 will always be the case, though in the west coast ports American spruce takes its 

 place. For scaffold and ladder poles, small spars and masts, and oars, we cannot 

 hope to compete with the north of Europe ; whilst for flooring, joists, and almost 

 all purposes except those for which knotty boards are not objected to, it seems equally 

 hopeless for British growers to attempt to compete with the well-known white deal of 

 commerce. 



The reasons why the value of home-grown spruce timber is so low are, first, 

 its very knotty character, caused by the persistence of the branches, which die more 

 slowly than those of other conifers ; and, secondly, its want of strength and durability 

 as compared with larch. Continental foresters tell us that the first defect may be 

 obviated by close planting, and cite the large profit which is derived from this tree 

 in Germany and Scandinavia. I have inquired of many of our best practical 

 foresters ; but I have never been able to find any plantation in England, and only 

 very small areas in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, where spruce, which stood close 



