22 
aside from the intrinsic value of the plantation or timber-belt. The 
increased fertility of the soil consequent upon the action of the roots 
of the trees, in permeating and disintegrating the soil, and thereby in- 
creasing the available chemical constituents necessary for plant 
growth ; the acretion of vegetable mould upon the surface of the soil, 
caused by th^ droppings and decay of the foliage from the trees, and 
the influence that groups, plantations and belts of trees exert in arrest- 
ing the force of the wind, modifying the temperature, lessening the 
evaporation of moisture and radiation, and absorption of heat and 
the action of the foliage of the trees in cooling the atmosphere and 
condensing its moisture, and such other meteorological conditions as 
tend to ameliorate climatic extremes and prove to growing 
crops. In view of the rapidity of the growth of the Larch, and the 
benefits and profits which may be reaped in the course of one gene- 
ration from the time of planting, from plantations composed wholly 
or partially of this tree, it may be said that there are few other kinds 
of trees that compare in value to the European I.arch, more particu- 
larly in regard to the uses for which the wood is adapted. 
In conclusion, the following suggestions relating to the handling 
and planting of the I,arch, may be of value to the inexperienced 
planter : 
In making a plantation or belt of European Larch, it should be 
borne in mind that the quality of soil is immaterial, so long as it is 
d)y. It may be found profitable to use an admixture of Scotch Pine 
and such other valuable trees as will flourish in soils suited to the 
Larch. If the planting be in the form of belts for the purpose of 
shelter and timber, the principal portion of the Scotch Pine may be 
advantageously planted upon the margin. • 
As the European Larch commences growth at a low temperature, 
and as there is greater liability of loss of plants when planted after 
the commencement of growth, it is advisable to plant in the Fall of 
the year, or procure the plants in Autumn for the purpose of having 
them on hand for planting as early in the Spring as the ground is in 
proper condition for working. When the Larch is planted in the 
Fall, the ground should be mulched with straw, wild hay, or some 
other coarse material, or the earth ridged up to the plants with a 
shovel-plow to prevent injury to the roots, or the plants from being 
drawn out of the soil, by the alternation of freezing and thawing. 
The sap of the Larch being of a similar nature to the sap of other 
coniferous (Evergreen) trees, but more volatile, and therefore more 
liable to evaporation, it is strictly necessary in handling to observe 
the same conditions of non-exposure of the roots to the rays of the 
sun, or to drying winds, and in planting to firmly press the soil on 
the roots and to disturb the soil immediately in contact with the 
roots as little as possible during the first season of cultivation after 
planting. When these precautions are observed, the Larch can be 
transplanted, subject to as little loss, as results in the planting of other 
valuable kinds of deciduous trees. 
