370 
On the System of Planting, 
enough for stakes, and then they are pealed ; a pretty good acre 
will now pay from 1/. to 2/. a-year, and will improve in value 
every year. 
The Larch will be cut as soon as they are fit for rails, begin- 
ning at about 15 years old, and taking those which are most in 
the way. The Larch would not all be taken out, till the planta- 
tion reached an age of 40 years. 
The only trees planted by the Duke of Portland are Oak, Spa- 
nish Chestnuts, and Larch. 
Spanish Chestnuts. — The plantations of Spanish Chestnut are 
treated in all respects as those of Oak. They grow much quicker 
than Oak, but they are not thinned earlier, being left very close 
to prevent their shaking, which seems to be done by a twist of the 
wind. They make rails almost as soon as the oak make bindings. 
The bark sells for two-thirds the value of oak bark, they make 
very good posts, much more durable than young Oak with the 
sap, and more durable than young Larch. Chestnuts should be 
planted by themselves, because they outrun the Oak, and then 
they get caught and shaken by the wind. In the early years, 
during the process of thinning, they make a much better return 
than Oak ; for stakes and posts and rails, they are more durable 
than Oak, and in more advanced stages they seem fully equal 
to oak for rafters and all building purposes. 
Larch. — Lentil within the last six years, Larch appeared to be 
the most profitable of all woods; but about the year 1839, a 
terrible disease showed itself among Larch trees of all ages. Be- 
fore this time every now and then a few Larch were found diseased 
in the plantations, chiefly in spots where they were much crowded 
and overtopped ; but within the last eight years the disease has 
become general, attacking trees of all ages, in all situations, and 
on all soils, in many cases those wliich have plenty of room, as 
well as those which are crowded. Trees of above 90 years old, 
containing 110 feet of timber, have been found diseased, and from 
that age down to trees of 15 years, and even younger. 
In the plantations near Sutton, in Ashfield, all the Larch have 
been cut down, and they were found so generally affected with 
the disease, that it was rare out of a thousand trees to find one 
quite sound. The cause of this disease has not been ascertained.* 
It seems a matter of serious doubt, whether it will be prudent to 
continue the plantation of Larch trees. 
• In a large district of plantations at Staple Fitzpain, Somerset, I planted 
one portion with plants raised from seed in Scotland, and another with 
plants raised in my nurseries from seed which 1 imported from the Alps. 
The former plants are much infected with disease ; the latter are healthy 
and vigorous. — Portman. 
