370 The JoiLrnal of For^estry. 



In and around villages in this plain they have thriven better, bnt still 

 never so well as in the Metidja, while in the marshy plain of the Macta, 

 conceded to M. Debrousse, which afc first sight appears a typical position 

 for them, they have not done well at all. The reason for this is that the 

 land is not yet ready for them, it has lain in a state of marsh for centuries, 

 the subsoil is saturated with salt, and the more the trees are watered after 

 being planted, the sooner the capillary attraction brings the salt to the 

 surface and kills the trees and checks their growth. 



Land in Province of Constant ine. — These remarks apply only to the two 

 great plains over which I have travelled this year ; there are no doubt 

 localities as good situated elsewhere, especially in the plain of Bone, and 

 on the line of railway now being constructed to Guelma. I cannot speak 

 with any certainty of the price of such, biit regarding its suitability for 

 the growth of Eucalyptus there can be no doubt. 



On a careful consideration of the whole subject, I feel more convinced 

 than ever that no culture in Algeria offers such prospects of success as 

 Eucalyptus, if the cultivator can afford to remain for a considerable time 

 without any return for his capital, that in the long run it will be more 

 economical to purchase land for the purpose at 600 fr, a hectare than at 

 60 fr., but that to ensure success the experiment should be made close to 

 a line of railway and in a comparatively cool and salubrious position. 



Longleat Estate Timber Sale. 



The annual sale of timber on the Longleat Estates, Wilts, took place at 

 Horningsham on the 10th of August, at which there w^as a large attend- 

 ance of buyers, and the bidding was kept up with great briskness 

 throughout the sale, which turned out a very satisfactory one. Excellent 

 prices were realized considering the dull state of the timber trade, and that 

 the timber exposed for sale was of comparatively small dimensions. The 

 sale was ably conducted by Mr. Bedford, auctioneer, Warminster; the 

 marking, lotting, and the giving of the necessary information to intending 

 purchasers being under the superintendence of Mr. Berry, forester on the 

 Longleat Estates. The terms of sale required purchasers under five 

 pounds to pay in full the amount of their purchases, immediately after the 

 sale ; but purchasers above five pounds might pay a deposit of not less 

 than 10 per cent, at the close cf the sale, and give a bill payable on demand, 

 with approved security, for the balance. 



The sale realized a total of £95G 4s. lOd. ; the previously estimated 

 value being £859 10s. Id. ; a result highly satisfactory to all concerned. 



The following table contains a few particulars of the timber sold, and 

 the average prices realized, the latter comparing favourably with the prices 

 obtained this season at other sales of home-grown timber, of a similar 

 description, in the south-west of England. 



