FOREST TREES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST OF GALICIA. 5 91 



deep purple with flowering heaths. Much of these tracts is common 

 land given over to grazing.* 



The soil of the middle zone is usually shallow, and consists of 

 decomposed granite and detritus washed down from the upper zone. 

 This is occupied by a belt of Pinus maritima, which here attains a 

 height of 30 to 40 feet. In some places Eucalyptus Globulus has been 

 planted amongst the pines. The method of cultivation practised in 

 this zone admits of this practice, for by the time that the pines are 

 about 20 feet high there is both sufficient room between them and 

 also enough head light for the interplanting of erect-growing trees such 

 as the Eucalypti. 



In its earlier stages of growth Pinus maritima is a bushy tree 

 which does not admit of close planting. The branches, when they 

 attain any length over 8 feet, become valuable as vine-props notwith- 

 standing their perishable nature. Hence they are removed every few 

 years, and the forest soon assumes a very open aspect, admitting of 

 the interplanting of the Eucalypti. The pines, denuded of their 

 lower branches, make straight and serviceable poles, and by the time 

 they are felled the Eucalypti are already of at least the same height 

 as the trees that are removed. 



The soil of the lowest zone is generally rich and is given up to the 

 cultivation of vines and maize, the latter being followed by grasses 

 daring the winter. The vine cultivation is generally bad, the ground 

 is not kept clean beneath the vines, and mildew is much in evidence. 

 Spraying is very carelessly and improperly carried out, such quantities 

 of chemicals being used that the grapes often become absolutely 

 poisonous, and the fruit and leaves are often visibly coated with copper 

 sulphate. 



The inhabitants always wash the bunches in water before eating 

 the fruit, but, even after taking this precaution, cases of severe internal 

 pains and acute illness following the consumption of grapes are too 

 common. 



The product of these vineyards in the form of wine has little to 

 recommend it, for the vin ordinaire of the district is acid, vinegary, 

 and of low alcoholic strength. Strangers will find that it is generally 

 undrinkable by itself, and unpalatable even when mixed with water. 

 At La Toja, on Arosa Bay, the vin de I'etablissement was of fair 

 quality, but La Toja was unique in this respect among the places I 

 visited. Yet some progress has been made among the more progres- 

 sive viniculturists of Northern Spain during the last two decades, 

 and some of the best wines now approximate in character to the 

 " Boargeoise " wines of the Bordeaux district, although their strength 

 is less. 



* Goats are not allowed their freedom as is the case in Portugal. Hence 

 the forest areas tend to increase wherever there is any soil. On the other hand, 

 periodical fires reduce the area under forest. These fires are beneficial to graziers, 

 for they are the only means for destroying the tangle of gorse which would soon 

 cover all the pasturage. 



