6 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the number of years that must elapse before the oldest of the 

 younger woods, now seventeen years of age, attain suitable 

 dimensions. Here, in future, work will be carried out in regular 

 fashion, the results of management being clearly recorded in 

 books specially prepared for the purpose. The estimated profits 

 much exceed those hitherto realised, this being due to the 

 fact that on this part of the estate profit is now to be the 

 sole object aimed at, — sporting and aesthetic considerations will 

 occupy a subordinate place ; but it should be added that the 

 market rates are here exceptionally favourable, and that every 

 stick grown can be either used on the estate or sold. Probably 

 there are not many estates in Scotland so fortunately situated in 

 this respect as Raith. 



The proprietor has most kindly permitted the woods of the 

 Pit- Wood Working Circle to be freely used for educational pur- 

 poses ; and although this fact does not relieve us from the duty 

 of urging on the Government the necessity of establishing a small 

 State Model Forest, our immediate requirements in the matter of 

 a practical training-ground for students are effectually met. A 

 Working Plan for the Novar woods is now under preparation on 

 lines similar to those of the Raith plan ; and the provision of a 

 bursary to enable a student desirous of becoming a practical 

 forester to attend the University class has been mentioned in the 

 Report of the Council. The preparation of the Raith and Novar 

 Working Plans, and the inauguration of this bursary, are important 

 events of a most encouraging character. I feel confident that the 

 start now made will have far-reaching effects, and will result in 

 an unchallengeable affirmative answer being given to the question, 

 " Can woods in Scotland be grown profitably 1 " 



It is now my pleasing duty to propose that the Earl of 

 Mansfield be elected as my successor. In doing so, I need not 

 say more than that his ownership of extensive woodlands secures 

 his interest in our work, and renders him an eminently desirable 

 President of our Society. We esteem it an honour that he should 

 be willing to undertake the duties of the chair. 



At the close of the business meeting, Colonel Bailey gave a 

 short address on the timber resources of Canada and the United 

 States, and then showed a number of lantern slides illustrating a 

 journey in Canada which he had made in the autumn of 1897. 

 His remarks were to the following effect : — 



