ON ESTABLISHING AN EXPERIMENTAL FOREST AREA. 181 
There can be little doubt that the first is the most desirable 
method, and, moreover, there would be no difficulty in finding a suit- 
‘ able property. There are several in the market at present offered 
at good value. The following example of those suitable properties 
is now being advertised for sale:—“ A great sporting domain, with 
a magnificent castle. Extent of estate, 19,448 acres. Average 
bag, four seasons—1018 grouse, 4 red deer, 4 fallow deer, 19 roe deer, 
872 pheasants, 365 partridges, 75 duck, 75 hares, 1769 rabbits, 
26 snipe, 36 woodcock, 16 pigeons, 12 blackgame, and 6 various. 
Good salmon fishing in river. Excellent trout fishing in lochs. 
Rental over £3000, exclusive of castle and shootings. Large 
quantity of very valuable timber. Valued in 1890 by two ex- 
perienced valuers at £115,000. Price, £85,000.” This appears 
to be in every way a most suitable and desirable property, and in 
fact is known to be such by the writer. The writer knows 
the property well, and he values the woods at £32,000. These 
extend to 3240 acres, the greater portion consisting of Scots fir 
and larch; but there are to be found clumps and _ single 
specimens of most if not all of our forest trees, including 
exotics. There are excellent buildings upon the property, 
suitable for the purposes of such an institution. There are 
also over 2800 acres of good agricultural land, very suitable 
for carrying on experimental agriculture, if such should be 
added to the institution. The gross rental is £3651, the 
public burdens nearly £500, and the nett return £3151 or 
thereby. This yearly income would naturally decrease as the 
area put under timber increased, but quite sufficient would be 
left to maintain the establishment for a long time. 
The property is beautifully situated in the north of Scotland, 
and is easy of access by rail and water. 
It will be observed that the price asked is a moderate one, 
which, after deducting the value of the woods, amounts to 56s. per 
acre. A portion of the woods is “ripe” for cutting, and might 
be converted into money should a favourable opportunity present 
itself. 
There are many other properties offered for sale besides the 
above, very suitable, and at a fair value, whether acquired for 
afforestation purposes by the State, timber growing companies, 
or syndicates. One or two are offered at a valuation of 3 per 
cent. on their present rental for a definite period. When the 
means are limited, this system of purchase might be tried. There 
