1883.] ON THE GROWTH OF PINUS AUSTBIACA. 121 



top view of the ' universal ' winder. For every position in which a 

 wire winder is needed this one is adaptable, whether for terminal, 

 intermediate, or angle pillars. It is neat and ornamental in appear- 

 ance, in use powerful and effective, and it is cheap. 



The 'Lockfast' dropper system has been already introduced on 

 several large estates, where it gives every satisfaction. It only requii-es 

 to be better known to secure a large sale ; and any of our friends 

 who are now contemplating the erection of fencing for plantations 

 or other purposes, would do well to communicate with the 

 manufacturers. 



For Colonial use, where long stretches of fencing are required, for 

 sheep runs, cattle ranches, ostrich farms, and other purposes, this 

 system is, on account of its simplicity, stren!;th, and cheapness, very 

 suitable ; also that it can be quickly fixed by unskilled labour, is for 

 such situations a strong recommendation in its favour. 



ON THE GROWTH OF PINUS AUSTBIACA. 



^AVIXG for many years looked upon the Austrian Pine as the 

 most certain grower of all the coniferae, I think it may be 

 useful to state where I have noticed it failing. This has 

 happened in a plantation of eighteen years' growth adjoining wood- 

 lands, at an elevation of a thousand feet above the sea. The upper 

 portion of the plantation is naturally dry, having a substratum of 

 sandstone. The remainder is thoroughly drained by open dykes four 

 feet deep. Austrian and Scotch Fir comprise the principal varieties 

 planted. Until three years ago nothing could exceed the vigour of 

 the Austrian. Plenty of room was afforded to each plant to allow of 

 the free growth of the lower branches, so as to increase the root-hold 

 and avoid top-heaviness so fatal in a storm in an exposed position. 



In the spring of 1880, a severe frost with a most cutting wind 



produced disastrous results — especially on the dry bank referred to 



among the Austrian Pines. A fire could not have more utterly 

 blasted some of these, which, up to that time, seemed models of 

 healthy growth. The vitality of the whole was, I believe, to some 

 extent affected, for they have by degrees dwindled away ; and the 

 last cruel March frosts, following upon two or three weeks of extremely 

 warm, forcing weather, gave the finishing stroke to the survivors, and 

 they will all have to be cut down. 



The Scotch Firs do not appear to have suffered at all, and the 

 contrast is most remarkable, standing as they do side by side. Four 

 years ago every one would have given the preference to the Austrian 

 Pine, as evincing the healthier and sturdier growth. 



I may say that a main reason of my frequently recommending the 



