414 



Forestry and individuals. It is interesting to note that, for 

 the main purpose of planting, 53 per cent, of this total number 

 of trees was set out for fuel production, 32 per cent, for water- 

 shed cover, 8 per cent, for windbreaks, 5 per cent, for timber, 

 and 2 per cent, for ornament; and that of the different species 

 planted, the swamp mahogany headed the list at 52 per cent. 



Fuel Study. 



The question of where to obtain a sufficient supply of cheap 

 fuel mainly for the use of plantation laborers is still vital in 

 many parts of the islands. To this end a study of the situation 

 was inaugurated last March by the Division of Forestry in the 

 eff'ort to offer measures of relief. A list of questions to be an- 

 swered was sent out to all of the sugar plantation companies in 

 the attempt to secure data on which to sum up the situation and 

 base offers of a practical remedy. So far 50 of the plantation 

 managers have generously responded with their replies and as 

 soon as the few remaining ones have been heard from, the mate- 

 rial will be compiled, remedial measures recommended and the 

 whole will be published for distribution. 



Tree Study. 



You doubtless will be interested in knowing what action has 

 been taken as a result of the resolution, passed at the last meeting 

 of your Association, concerning an investigation of the best kinds 

 of trees to plant in given localities for specific purposes. The 

 subject w^as not officially brought to the attention of the Board 

 of Agriculture and Forestry until March of this year, when a let- 

 ter from your assistant secretary was received. The matter w^as 

 at once presented to the Board with a recommendation that the 

 investigation be undertaken. The Board referred the matter to 

 a committee, which, owing to the absence from the Territory of 

 some of its members for several months, did not take action until 

 the Board meeting of October 5, when it was voted to accept the 

 suggestion of making the investigation in cooperation wnth the 

 College of Hawaii. I w^as then also instructed to prepare a work- 

 ing plan for this investigation. This has been done, and it is 

 now being commented on by the Commissioners and it is possible 

 that it will be approved at the Board meeting to be held next 

 week, when the investigation can be begun. The College of Ha- 

 waii has kindly consented to conduct the necessary technical wood 

 tests and Mr. Rock to assist with his botanical advice in con- 

 nection with this investigation. 



Anticipating the approval of this project, considerable progress 

 has already been made along the lines of this investigation, which 

 would have been undertaken anyway in connection with the 

 regular work of this Division, as follows : 



A small sawmill has been ordered which will be installed at 

 the Makiki Nursery where logs can be sawed up and wood speci- 

 mens prepared for testing. 



