AFFORESTATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 635 



It has been shown how inadequate the present area of forest 

 is and not only what scope for extension exists, but also what 

 benefits will accrue from an increase of forestry ; it is now 

 proposed to consider how action can best be taken in this 

 matter. 



In the first place, the average returns from forests in the 

 United Kingdom are not such as to encourage landowners to 

 invest further in them ; and the increasing taxation of land, the 

 unfair incidence of taxes on forest property, and the time for 

 which capital employed in producing timber is locked up, finally 

 preclude, in existing circumstances, any extensive afforestation 

 by private initiative. The demonstration of proper treatment 

 of State forests as proposed may encourage some, and their 

 number will increase if advice is forthcoming, taxation is 

 revised, and financial assistance possibly granted ; but it seems 

 hardly reasonable to trust to private enterprise in a matter 

 which, based on' present returns, shows a narrow margin of 

 profit and has other objects than purely financial ones. In 

 any case a lead is necessary, and this can best be given in 

 the shape of practical example. 



There is no need for Government to commit itself at the 

 outset to any such vast scheme as that proposed by the recent 

 Royal Commission, for not only has much practical experience 

 in organised afforestation yet to be gained, but it is at all events 

 doubtful whether suitable labour is now available to the extent 

 necessary, and certainly the plants are not at a reasonable price. 



The chief value of such schemes lies in their demonstration 

 of the possibilities of afforestation, but it is a mistake to hold 

 nothing short of them to be worth attempting and to let this, 

 and a desire for regular sustained yield nearly a century hence, 

 cause more cautious persons to withhold their support. 



The first step should be the compilation of a statement of 

 areas suitable for afforestation as recommended by the Com- 

 mittee of 1902, but with additional information, so far as a 

 preliminary examination will permit, as to the area suitable for 

 each species, the quality of locality, and the probable effect of 

 afforestation on the utility of the remaining land and on the 

 local population. 



This should be carried out by forest experts in Government 

 employ, but the assistance of owners and local authorities 

 should be solicited, and the progress of inquiries and their 



