44 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
V. Is British Forestry Progressive?! By Artuur C. ForBEs, 
Wood Manager, Bowood, Calne, Wiltshire. 
The not inconsiderable amount of attention paid to forestry by 
certain sections of the public during the last few years, and the 
various opinions which have been expressed in connection there- 
with, must be my only excuse for bringing the subject of this 
paper before the members of this Society. Since the Forestry 
Exhibition of 1884 many events have taken place which have had, 
or ought to have had, an important effect upon the condition of 
forestry in this country. I need not take up time by enumerating 
these events, as no doubt they are familiar to all present, but I 
may remind you that the only tangible and permanent effect of 
them hitherto has been the inauguration of instruction in scientific 
forestry. Since Professor Somerville delivered the first course of 
lectures in Edinburgh University, the subject has been and is 
being taught in other centres, and is gradually being recognised 
by various examining boards and educational institutions as one 
worthy of encouragement. [Farther reaching in its effects, 
perhaps, than even this instruction, has been the publication, in 
the English language, of several well-known standard German 
works on forestry, the appearance of a Manual of Forestry from 
Cooper’s Hill, and new editions of old works on British Forestry, 
all of which have brought a knowledge of the subject within 
reach of all classes, 
With all these aids to advancement, it might reasonably be 
expected that British forestry would show some signs of 
awakening from its torpid condition, and although sufficient time 
has not yet elapsed to permit of any great improvement in the 
actual condition of British woods, yet some signs of activity 
ought to be observable. The landowner, for instance, should be 
fully alive to the advantage of having his woods properly 
managed ; while the practical forester, on his side, should be well 
up in the most approved methods of planting and rearing crops 
of timber, and the general management of a woodland area. No 
doubt, if things were as they appear to be at first sight, such would 
have been the case by this time, and British forestry would now 
be seen slowly but surely emerging from its old state, and taking 
its proper place in the rural economy of the United Kingdom. 
' Read at a General Meeting held on 3rd August 1896. 
