Aspect and Soil. 23 



methods I can suggest are to drain if needed, 

 to plant not less than four feet apart, to 

 select the best trees, and to thin judiciously 

 as soon as lateral contact takes place. But 

 I have more faith in the prevention than the 

 cure. 



The following observation may tend to 

 throw a little light on the subject of soil and 

 aspect as regards larch. I have invariably 

 found that the finest trees, the best timber, 

 and the greatest freedom from disease are 

 to be found upon hill or mountain slopes 

 where there is a dry soil with free percolation 

 of water, and with a northern aspect. On 

 flat low-lying land the trees are usually 

 infested with lichen if not interspersed with 

 other trees. 



In my own experience I have found but 

 little disease among other coniferous trees. 

 There is among the acclimatised varieties a 

 tendency to weakness, a tendency to bear 

 seed at too early an age, and a certain 

 obstinacy for the first few years ; but I have 

 invariably found them respond to judicious 

 treatment. My treatment in the case of 



