72 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
forestry is to be adequately taught in Britain. Dr Nisbet, who, in 
his book already mentioned, has had the last say on this question, 
boldly states the requirements at six forestry chairs in universities, 
and four schools of practical sylviculture in the vicinity of forests. 
I do not think he put the needs one whit too high. I should be 
even disposed to add to them, because I note he has omitted to 
take into account the claim of Wales, whence there has recently 
been a request for the establishment of forestry teaching. 
But there are two questions strictly pertinent to this demand, 
which need answering if the proposals are to be brought within the 
sphere of practicability—firstly, whence are the funds to be 
obtained for this organisation; and, secondly, where are we to 
get the teachers? 
Dr Nisbet puts his hand in the Treasury pocket for the money— 
some five thousand pounds per annum—required by his scheme. 
I do not think many of us will be so sanguine as to expect the 
whole financial aid could be directly obtained in this way. But it 
may be, I think, of significance in regard to this to consider the 
sources from which money has been forthcoming for what has 
already been done. The Government, through the Board of Agri- 
culture, has given most, the remainder has come from the County 
Councils and from private contributions. 
There is no reason to suppose the Board of Agriculture will be 
less willing in the future than it has been to aid in the establishing 
of forestry teaching in suitable centres ; but its support from the 
limited funds—eight thousand pounds—at its disposal for educa- 
tional purposes, is always given as a grant in aid, and is contingent 
upon evidence of local effort towards the end desired, which we 
must therefore look to in the first instance. 
It is of no use to speculate upon the prospects of private munifi- 
cence providing equipment in any centre. We may hope for it, 
but I do not think times are such as to lead us to expect large 
pecuniary aid from landowners. After vigorous effort amongst them, 
extending over some years, to secure an endowment for a chair of 
forestry in Edinburgh, a sum a little over two thousand pounds is 
all that has been raised. 
But forestry is one of those subjects to the teaching of which we 
may be more sanguine of support from County Councils. It wiil 
always be a matter of regret to scientific men, and those interested 
in the industrial progress of the country, that the grand opportunity 
furnished by the fund dealt with under the Local Taxation Act 
