ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE MODEL FORESTS FOR SCOTLAND. 209 
justified in concluding that there is no reason why just as good 
timber as that now imported from abroad should not be grown in 
this country, provided improved sylvicultural treatment and a 
systematic working of the forests are introduced.” This cannot be 
doubted. M. Boppe speaks of the ‘ marvellous timber-producing 
properties ” of our soil and climate, and the ‘‘ wonderful aptitude 
of (our) soil to forest vegetation, favoured as it is by a regular 
climate and the constant humidity of the atmosphere.” He found 
growing, both singly along the roadside, and collectively in the 
forests, ‘‘ magnificent specimens of oak, maple (sycamore), elm, ash, 
beech, and lime, which by the vigour of their growth and the rich 
colouring of their foliage, bore testimony to the favourable con- 
ditions of soil and climate under which they grew.” Speaking of 
the Dunkeld woods, M. Boppe says, “‘ From a forest point of 
view, the results obtained by these two species (Scots fir and larch) 
are truly marvellous;” and he adds, “It is, therefore, a matter 
of regret that nothing has yet been done to place forest manage- 
ment in Scotland on a sound economic basis.” It appears unlikely 
that it ever will be placed upon a sound basis throughout the 
country until we have a Model Forest in which we can demonstrate 
methods and point to results. 
The Model Forest is also required as a station of experiment and 
research into matters connected with the development and char- 
acteristics of the various species when grown in this country, such 
as would indicate the correct sylvicultural treatment to be applied 
to them, and would enable our teachers of sylviculture to base their 
instruction on data obtained in this country, instead of relying on 
figures the result of observations conducted elsewhere. Volumes 
I., I1., and IL. of Schlich’s ‘Manual of Forestry” necessarily 
bristle with such figures; but, useful as they are, it cannot be 
denied that they lose much in value for the British forester, 
through having been obtained in countries and under conditions 
with which he is not personally familiar. The time has long since 
arrived when the applicability or otherwise, to our own geological 
and climatic conditions, of Continental systems, figures, and results 
should be thoroughly tested; and this can only be done in woods 
unhampered -by the restrictions that are necessarily associated with 
private ownership. 
Again, we want a Model Forest as a field of practical instruction 
for students. Dr Schlich writes,—‘ Something more is wanted 
than theoretical instruction, Instruction in the field must also be 
