NOTES AND COMMENTS 249 



1889 by Mr. L. Jorgensen; who was interested in finding a quick- 

 growing conifer that would give larger yields than Norway spruce 

 and silver fir, and would also be better adapted to the stiff clay soil. 

 Altogether 55 different species of conifers from various parts of the 

 world were planted upon a sample plot of approximately 12 acres. 



It is interesting to note that two species have so far shown them- 

 selves to be much better adapted to local conditions than any of the 

 others. These are Douglas fir (Pseiidotsuga taxifolia) of the coast 

 variety and Japanese larch (Lari.v leptolepis). The Douglas fir has 

 reached a maximum height of nearly 37 feet at 20 years of age and 

 the Japanese larch a height of over 32 feet at 15 years of age. Douglas 

 fir from the Rocky Mountains has grown so slowly that it is not con- 

 sidered to be worth experimenting with further. Sitka spruce has 

 done very well, although not quite equal to the coast Douglas fir. 

 Eastern white pine and jack pine have so far grown quite well, but 

 the white pine has been severely attacked by the white pine blister rust. 

 One other Japanese species, Cryptomeria japonica, is also promising, 

 although it has been considerably exceeded in growth by Japanese 

 larch. 



The Forest Service of China, by the action of a new Minister of 

 Agriculture and Commerce, in whose resort the service had been 

 developing, has been abolished. Meanwhile, D. Y. Lin (Yale '14), 

 whose propaganda work was in part reported in Forestry Quarterly, 

 XIV, p. 471, continues to arouse interest in forestry, with the hope 

 of reestablishing the service. 



From the Quarterly News Letter of the Philippine Bureau of 

 Forestry we learn that the lumber business of the islands is continually 

 improving, so that mills are behind with orders, short of stocks for 

 both local and export market, and are preparing for night work. All 

 this is due to demands from China. Inadequate shipping facilities 

 hamper the development of markets in India and Australia. Apitong 

 railroad ties are particularly called for, without offers, the tie business, 

 on account of the fact that inspection is made at point of delivery, 

 rendering it difficult to carry it on profitably. 



For one species at least, Lauan, the National Hardwood Asso- 

 ciation has adopted rules of grading, but these rules are said to be 

 a failure, being not at all adapted to Philippine lumber; their only 

 value is in advertising this substitute for mahogany. 



