9 Sept., 1907.] Fifth Convention, Chamber of Agriculture. 561 



Quoting from a previous paper * I take the following summary of 

 advantages which may be claimed as the result of careful attention to 

 tree growing. 



" The improved condition of the homesteads, both as regards the 

 personal comfort of the occupiers and the attractiveness of the 

 home. 



The improved condition of stock resulting from the comfort of the 

 effective shelter from the extreme of heat and cold. 



The increased returns from stock. 



The protection of pasture lands from the drying effects of strong 

 winds. 



The protection of cultivated lands by break-winds. 



The increased value of farm lands. A well planted farm is cer- 

 tainly the more valuable. 



The ultimate assured fuel supply and timber supply for farm pur- 

 poses." 



Of course in different localities the conditions will be found to vary, 

 but in every district there is full justification for careful attention to this 

 provision. 



It has been written " Whenever we plant a tree we are doing what we 

 can to make our planet a more wholesome and happier dwelling place for 

 those who come after us, if not for ourselves." Unfortunately the time 

 factor essential to tree production operates in the minds of many persons 

 to- deter them from plantmg and speedy returns from other cultivation are 

 deemed of more importance. Victoria is a young State and the actual 

 results of timber growth cannot be freely quoted. But even the com- 

 mercial test may to some extent be applied. I have endeavoured to procure 

 specific instances. One is furnished by the Ballarat Water Commission 

 on whose reserved areas the Pinus insignis, an admirable shelter tree but 

 generally despised as a timber tree, was extensively planted about 30 years 

 ago, and during recent years a large quantity of timber has been disposed 

 of. From the State plantations at Creswick, pine timber is being sold for 

 fruit cases, and the available supply will give a very satisfactory return. 

 On Mount Cairmel Estate, Redcastle, pine planks 12 inches wide were cut 

 from trees planted in the year 1872, and were used on farm buildings. 

 Mr. W. Gill, Conservator of Forests in South Australia, in an official 

 report, stated that Pinus insignis plantations after twenty-one years growth 

 give a net return of ^100 'per acre. These figures show that from a 

 revenue consideration tree planting is not to be lightly regarded, and, 

 in addition, the incidental advantages of shelter, &c., are fully enjoyed 

 during the period of growth. On some of the estates in the Western 

 District, where extensive plantations have been formed, the actual timber 

 value is very substantial. 



A leading institution, now familiarly known as Arbor Day, is becoming 

 more and more popular in our State, Borough and Shire Councils acting 

 in conjunction with the Education Department in a most praiseworth) 

 manner to promote the success of the movement. I presume in this audience 

 there are many gentlemen who are councillors, members of Boards of 

 Advice, and of Agricultural Societies. If all such would take an 

 active interest in this work, and encourage the young people to become 

 planters, the good effect throughout the State would be speedily evidenced. 



*"A Plea for Tree Planting and Tree Preservation," page 707, Journal of 

 ihc Defartment of Agriculture, December, 1906. 



