LCCAL CONDITIONS OF FORESTRY IN ENGLAND. 3 

an observer in Oxfordshire speaks well of the growth of the 
tree, which he says, thrives best on strong land, while from 
{he same county another report indicates that sandy or 
gravelly loams suit growth best. In most cases the rate of 
growth is said to compare favourably with that of other 
hardwoods, a girth of 10 or 11 feet, and a height of 60 feet 
and upwards being reported for ages not much over 100 years. 
Not only is this tree met with on a great variety of soils, but 
it has also a wide vertical range, growing ‘to perfection ” 
in Westmorland at an elevation of 800 feet. Unfortunately 
there are many reports of serious injury due to “ shake,” 
which frequently appears in trees from 50 to 60 years old. 
Fagus sylvatica (Beech).—As was to be be expected, this 
species is most frequently reported frora limestone and chalk. 
Such soils, in fact, constitute the natural habitat of the Beech, 
and from such situations specimens are reported exceeding 
. 20 feet in girth, 120 feet in height, and 235 feet in cubical 
contents. In North Durham it is said to resist smoke better 
than the Oak. From Mid-Durham it is reported as growing 
well at an elevation of 500 feet, while in Westmorland it is 
said to grow best in situations 600 to 7oo feet above sea 
level. In view of the increasing demand for beech for 
technical purposes, and for fuel, and having regard to its 
beneficial influence on soil fertility, it is probable that an 
increasing amount of attention will be given to the cultivation 
of this tree. 
Fraxinus excelsior (Ash).—Most of the reports indicate 
that this tree thrives best on strong and somewhat moist 
loam. The results when it is planted on poor soils are not 
satisfactory. The timber of old trees is brittle and dark 
coloured. Specimens over 12 feet in girth and Ioo feet in 
height at an age of 165 years are reported from Westmor- 
land. It is, however, when 50 to 100 years old that this tree 
is most valuable, and, on the whole, the results of its cultiva- 
tion appear to be satisfactory. 
Larix europea (Larch).—In most parts of England the older 
classes of this species have grown well, the rate of height- 
growth being frequently one foot per annum up to the age of 
80 or 100 years. At that age the girth may vary between 8 
Bee 
