462 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. [Nov. 



great density and specific gravity, and bears a great strain, but is so 

 liable to warp, perhaps from ignorance of the proper method of 

 seasoning it, that it is very little used for other purposes. I have 

 seen the wood take a very high polish, and some good tables and 

 other articles of furniture made of it. It appears to me absolutely 

 sinful to waste the well-grown trees for firewood, and it has occurred 

 to me that there might be a market for them at home for paving 

 blocks, even if the wood will not season to prevent warping. The logs 

 could, I believe, be profitably put on board ship at from £1 to £2 

 per ton. — I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, 



Joseph Steavenson, 



Honorary Secretary. 

 Agri-Horticultural Sociktt's Gardens, 

 Madras, 2d,th September 1885. 



ESTATE WORK. 



ME. EDITOR, — I have long thought that any one reading our 

 monthly calendar, and who knew nothing practically of 

 forestry, would very naturally conclude that it embraced every 

 description of work done upon a landed estate. Why and where- 

 fore, it may be asked, should all kinds and description of work be 

 classed under forestry and described as such ? With your permission, 

 I would suggest that there be one general heading for all, viz. 

 " Estate Work," and that it be divided into different heads, one 

 of which to embrace Forestry. The subdivisions, again, should 

 comprehend roads, draining, fencing, hedging, river and burn 

 embanking, bridges, and all kindred works. 



Policies. — Under this heading, again, the making and maintaining 

 of drives, walks, grass, shrubberies, hedges, fences, and innumerable 

 other works may be described to the interest and instruction of your 

 readers. 



Game. — Under this heading, planting and maintaining game 

 covert, shooting rides. Growing and supplying plants for ground 

 game, food, etc. etc. Fishings in lakes, rivers, etc. Gardening, 

 farming, farm-steadings, cottages, etc. might also, if desirable, be 

 included in the list of rural subjects. 



I do not say all these subjects should be treated of in the 

 Forestry Journal as of equal importance, but for my part I see no 

 good or justifiable reason for not writing upon them as well as many 

 other rural subjects treated of in the Journal, which have about as 

 little to do with forestry as a horse has to do with an axe. I shall 

 be pleased, sir, to hear your own mind on the subject, or that of any 

 of your numerous correspondents interested in the subject of 

 forestry. A Learner. 



2Qth October 1885. 



