1070 JOURNAL Ot^ FORKSTRV 



the island is covered by the same low, dense brush that is found in St. 

 Thomas, the growth being even more luxuriant here; but so far as I 

 could learn or observe, there were few larger trees. The only use 

 made of timber in either of these islands is for fuel, much of it being 

 burned into charcoal in crude ovens. 



St. Croix is a little larger than either of the other islands, and be- 

 longs to a different group and is of a different geological formation. 

 One side of the island is a flat lowland, while a small but steep moun- 

 tain range lies upon the otlicr. The lowland is all under cultivation, 

 mostly in sugar cane. Here a number of large trees grow along the 

 roads and in the watercourses, and one group of very high and stately 

 trees was pointed out to me as mahogany. Most of the mountain 

 country is covered merely with brush. 



On St. Johns, I was told, the people burn the brush and plant the 

 land in guinea-grass when they are not engaged in gathering bay leaves. 

 It may be safely said that nearly all of St. Thomas, the greater part of 

 St. Johns, and much of the hill land in St. Croix are waste lands and 

 will never be used for anything except grazing. It is also reasonable 

 to suppose that they will support forests, as they have done so before. 

 They are picturesque and healthful and support an interesting wild 

 life despite a complete absence of protection. 



Harvey Ferguson. 



In a competition last April between teams representing ten rifle clubs 

 in the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service Rifle Club won 

 first place and the prize — a star-gauged Springfield rifle. Though seri- 

 ously depleted through the acceptance by 20 per cent of its members 

 of commissions in various branches of the military service, the club is 

 still active. From among the 65 members of the club there have been 

 commissioned and called to active service a lieutenant-colonel, two 

 majors, six captains, and two first lieutenants. The organization of 

 the club and the maintenance of its activity are largely due to its exec- 

 utive officer, Mr. Reynolds. 



Settlement oe Ex-Soldiers in Canada 



An Empire Settlement Committee for Great Britain was charged last 

 February to report on measures for settling ex-soldiers in various parts 

 of the empire. It has compiled the various government schemes now 

 in existence. In Canada the following arrangements exist : 



