ITS MANAGEMENT 157
posed of elms which were planted about one
hundred and sixty years ago. There are a few
beeches and sycamores among them, and some
remarkably well-grown wild cherry trees, as well
as some large yews. The old decaying trees on
the islands should be preserved as long as possible,
as jackdaws and other birds nest in their hollow
branches.
The peculiarities of the various woods, which I
have endeavoured to indicate, are not confined to
the larger growths, but extend to that which
covers the surface—grass, heather, brake fern,
gorse, broom, or blackthorn—according to the
soil and aspect. From the above remarks it
will be seen what a charming diversity we have
inherited — incomparably more interesting than
a wood which, however beautiful, is all of one
pattern !
(2) Preservation of Natural Features.—
It goes without saying that in a natural forest we
should preserve those features which are not of
man's doing. As an instance of this may be
mentioned the importance of retaining trees
which are decaying, trees which are dead, trees
which have been overthrown by the forces of
nature, as well as those which are in full vigour.
I am speaking of course of those of larger growth.
I have recently spent a fortnight in exploring one
of the largest natural forests in Eastern Europe.
Here, to my mind, the chief beauty resides, not in
the standing trees, but in the giants that lie prone
among their roots. Many of them have lain for
several centuries. They are gorgeous with moss
and lichen; their great trunks are seed-beds for
their descendants, and they tell a story of mighty
hurricanes and snowstorms which we should miss,
if it had been possible to remove them. Such
features are the characteristics of all virgin wood-
lands. Our Forest is also a document of nature
with its tale to tell. Its failures, its ruins, should
be preserved, as well as its vigorous youth. It
should not be trimmed and garnished.
Of even greater importance is the conservation