27o Journal of the Department oe Agriculture. 



It has been sliown tliat over any given extent of area, however 

 uniform superficially, there is certain to be more or less important 

 changes of conditions which affect tree growth. While each investor 

 pays an equal amount for his plot, he has no guarantee that he will 

 secure an equal share in the results, and it is a pure gamble whether 

 he obtains the best results or hardly any at all. Once an investor 

 has secured his plot he is, presumably, at liberty to treat it in any 

 way he considers fit to the danger of adjoining plotholders. Thus 

 he may fail to secure it against risk from fire, or by untimely or 

 excessive cutting expose his neighbours to damage from winds or 

 violent storms. Failure to remove trees weakened by drought may 

 result in attacks by borers such as the phoracantha beetle and other 

 similar insect pests, which may spread throughout the whole 

 plantation. 



Truly economic management can only be effected by treating an 

 area as a Avhole. Costs of operations carried out separately on small 

 plots aie always much more expensive. This is, no doubt, recognized 

 by promoters or they would not offer to do the planting for investors. 

 But this principle applies even more to the processes of tii inning, 

 final felling, and marketing. Possibly promoters may be willing 

 to undertake these operations also at a price, but even then many 

 obstacles to economy may arise unless complete unanimity exists 

 between plotholders as to manner of treatment and time and methods 

 of disposal. 



Ill eluded in the purchase price, syndicates usually make them- 

 selves responsible for maintenance during the first three years. There 

 is, however, no guarantee that the essential "forest condition" will 

 have been attained by that time, and, as has already been shown, a 

 stand cannot be said to be finally established until this condition is 

 attained. As a rule, ten to twelve years are estimated for the final 

 crop, but twelve to fifteen is more probable for Euc. viminalis and 

 Euc. Maidenii, and then only under good conditions, while the 

 average for Eiic. rostrata and Euc. sideroxylon is considerably longer. 



That a little knowledge is a dangerous thing is more applicable 

 in forestry than most other activities because of the long time one 

 has to look ahead. Yet expert knowledge is often claimed on the 

 slenderest basis, such as a few years' experience in tree-planting; or 

 it is thought that a chat with an expert will suffice to gain enough 

 knowledge for all practical purposes. 



The above remarks are not intended to discourage aff'orestation, 

 for which there are undoubtedly good prospects when conducted on 

 sound lines, but to help the beginner to steer clear of the many 

 points of danger which may lead to financial wreck if not seen in time. 



Honey. 



In connection with the Grocers' Exhibition to be held in Loudon 

 on the 18th September, 1920, a colonial honey competition is being 

 arranged. Full particulars may be obtained on application to the 

 Acting Trade Commissioner, 90 Cannon Street, London, who is pre- 

 pared to receive samples of honey for exhibition and to arrange for 

 their entry. 



