28 DECEMBER 1918, Page 20

Coniferous Trees for Profit and Ornament. By A. D. Webeter.

(Constable. 21s. net..)—This is a useful book by a practical forester. Mr. Webster describes the many species of conifers, and then discusses methods of planting and the commercial value of the various timbers which are most in request As in 1913 we imported coniferous timber to the value of £30,000,000, it is clear that there is a great need for scientific afforestation in this country. Mr. Webster of course puts the larch first and the Scotch pine next, for economic reasons, but he speaks very highly of the Corsican pine, which grows very rapidly even in exposed situations and yields more timber than the larch, though the timber merchants are not yet convinced that its wood is durable. The timber of certain conifers varies widely according to the mil in which the trees have been grown ; Mr. Webster's chapter an this subject deserves special attention.