22 KERRY WOODS. 



is far from encouraging. Nor is the future of this plantation 

 good. Examination of the crowns of dominant trees showed that 

 43 per cent, of them were damaged in such a way that the stems 

 could not develop to the proper extent. The height-growth curve 

 of the sample tree shows (see diagram, p. 30) that the crop has 

 now passed the culminating point in this respect and has arrived 

 at a time when the proper development of the crown is of the 

 utmost importance. Plate I shows the condition of this group 

 on its sheltered side. 



At the top of Cwm Golog Wood at an elevation of 1,400 feet to 

 1,500 feet, on a sheltered aspect with slightly peaty soil, there is 

 a considerable area of Scotch pine, aged about 19 years, replacing 

 the larch woods previously referred to. These have reached a 

 height of 12 feet to 15 feet but are already beginning to thin out 

 and develop rough side branches owing, to damage to the crowns. 



The condition of these Scotch pine woods bears out the general 

 contention that this species is not at all suited in Britain for the 

 planting of hilly land where the rain and snow-fall are heavy 

 and the soil inclined to be peaty. At the same time, it is possible 

 that a variety with a narrower crown would grow much better. 



C. Spruce. 



Spruce has been grown in the district at all elevations and under 

 all conditions of exposure and aspect, chiefly in mixture with other 

 species, but also pure in small groups up to a couple of acres in 

 extent and in shelter belts i to 2 chains in width. There was, there- 

 fore, a good deal of material to work on, though much of it was 

 of little use owing to the irregular way in which the woods had 

 been treated. 



The following is a list of the results obtained by the examination 

 of what were considered to be the most interesting groups. 



GROUP I. NEW POOL SPRUCE. 

 Area, 0*2 acre. Elevation, 1,020 feet. Age, 43 years. 



Group lies at foot of Kerry Hill (north side) under excellent 

 conditions as regards shelter and soil. 



Trees grown in medium density. Canopy complete. Dead 

 branches adhering strongly. 



Dominant trees per acre (of mean diameter 9*0 in.) 460 

 Minor trees per acre (of mean diameter 6'6 in.) ... 160 



Total ... 620 



