180 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
the first step is the establishment of proper machinery for the 
instruction of those interested in. acquiring a knowledge of 
forestry, so as to provide for ourselves what is at present pro- 
vided for us by others, and thus save a great sacrifice of capital, 
and consequent loss to the bread-winners of this country. It 
is certainly the duty of the State to provide facilities for the 
obtaining of such knowledge, because it is required in the 
interests of the whole community. This is not a question of 
personal or landed interests. It is one which affects statesmen, 
capitalists, tradesmen, producers, manufacturers, and private 
individuals alike. It is the duty of statesmen to economise 
the national resources, but, so far, a mine of wealth has been 
neglected in leaving our waste lands practically barren and 
unproductive. Under proper instruction, and with the means 
provided, a great and beneficial change could be effected. 
Taking all circumstances into account—circumstances well 
known to the leaders in arboricultural and sylvicultural affairs— 
it is not an easy matter to define the best method of creating such 
an institution as is required for practical demonstration in all 
branches of forestry and kindred subjects; but it is quite easy to 
lay down an ideal or theoretical plan. What is required, how- 
ever, is one, the details of which can be carried out in practice, 
The writer believes the following would go a long way to meet 
the requirements of the case. 
In Scotland, with very little Crown land available, and such as 
there is unsuitable, land for such a purpose can best be had in 
the usual way, viz., by a simple commercial transaction between 
a willing seller and an equally willing buyer. 
There are several ways in which land may thus be acquired for 
the purpose under review, viz. :— 
1. The purchase of a property having an area of wooded land 
with the trees in a forward state, and a considerable 
further area suitable for the profitable growth of 
timber. 
2. The purchase of an area of waste land, of a quality capable 
of producing timber. 
3. The feuing of suitable land, with or without burdens, the 
feu-duty not to exceed 1s, 6d. per acre per annum, 
4. The leasing of land and woodland, or of waste land only, 
to “farm.” The lease to be for say one hundred and 
twenty years, with mutual breaks, 
