FOEESTRY. 451 



The reforestation of loose and worn soils, ^Iatthks {Rev. Eaux et Fon-tit, 31 

 {1902), No. 6, pp. 161-177). — Suggestions are given for the reforestation of high 

 mountains, loose sands, and worn limestone soils. The methods that have been 

 successfully emploj-ed in different countries are described, particular attention being 

 given to the forestation of sandy regions. The preliminary treatment for preventing 

 the shifting of sands is described and the best species of forest trees for different 

 soils and situations are enumerated. The role of the Government in such operations 

 is discussed at some length. 



Coppice in the Ardennes, C. Delville {Bui. Soc. Cent. Fured. Beh/., .9 {1902), Nos. 

 4, }i}). 197-206; 5, pp. 261-273).— A. description is given of the present condition of 

 the coppice woods of this region and the various means whereby the production and 

 value of these forests have been decreased. Suggestions are also given of various 

 methods for their restoration. 



An excursion in the Campine region, E. Nelis {Bui. Soc. Cent. Forest. Belg., 

 9 {1903), Kos. 4, pp. 207-213; 5, pp. 274-285; 6, pip. 34S-S5S, pis. 2).— A description 

 is given of the forests in the Campine region, which consists of an extensive area of 

 sandy land extending through Belgium into Holland. This is partly covered by an 

 artificial forest plantation, and the means adopted f 3r the reforestation are described 

 and results of a numl)er of experiments with fertilizers on forest trees are shown. 



On the preservation of the natural characters of forests and uncultivated 

 regions, C. Bommer {BuI. Soc. Cent. Forest. Belg., 9 {1902), No. 6, pp. 338-348).— A 

 report is given of a special commission appointed to consider the subject of forestry 

 in Belgium and to suggest methods for its development and improvement. 



The characteristics of various species of forest trees as nursery trees {Bui. 

 Soc. Cent. Forest. Belg., 9 {1902), Kos. 6, pp. 360-365; 7, pp. 439-445).— Com\)\\Q6. 

 notes are given of the characteristics, value, and adaptability of a number of forest 

 species which are proposed for cultivation and acclimation in Belgium. The species 

 described in the present papers are all conifers. 



Report of expert forester on the Hawaiian forests, E. M. Griffith {Hono- 

 lulu: 1902, folio). — A report is given on the present condition of the forests of the 

 Hawaiian Islands, and suggestions made for their retention and improvement. With 

 few exceptions the forests are said to be only valuable in conserving the water sup- 

 ply and increasing the rainfall. The only 2 species of trees which occur in suffi- 

 cient quantity to be of anj commercial importance are kao {Acacia koa) and algaroba 

 {Prcjsopis juliftora) . As the forests of the Hawaiian Islands contain a very limited 

 amount of mevchantaljle timber, the forestry problem is one of conserving the water 

 supply, which depends upon the preservation of existing forests and restocking some 

 of the denuded slopes, either by natural reproduction or by islanting. The denuda- 

 tion of Hawaiian forests has been brought about to a large extent by the pastur- 

 ing of stock in the forests. Wherever fences have been built the reclamation of 

 forests is said to be as rapid as their destruction when stock are allowed to range 

 freely. Inorder to place the work upon a thoroughly efficient basis, cooperation 

 Avill be necesary l)etween the government, planters, ranchers, and others owning or 

 leasing laud upon which water is the chief consideration. 



The timber resources of the Australian Commonwealth, E. T. Scammell 

 {.Tour. Soc. Arts, 50 (1902), No. 2580, pp. 533-546).— Xn address was given in which 

 attention was called to the value of Australian timber, the object lieing to serve as 

 far as possible the commercial interests of x\ustralia by demonstrating the claims of 

 Australian timber to the favorable consideration of engineers, architects, l>uilders, etc. 

 The forest area of Australia by divisions is given, in which it appears that about 9J 

 per cent of the total area is forested. The principal woods are briefly described, their 

 uses indicated, and an appendix given in which the common names are alphabeti- 

 cally arranged. The value of a number of species for furnishing railroad ties is shown 

 in tabular form. 



1350T— No. 5—03 -t 



