REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY. ey 
* You are aware, are you not, that these countries, Great Britain 
and Ireland, stand in relation to most of the countries of Europe 
in a very backward condition as to forestry?” ‘ As regards sys- 
tematic planting, with a view to the production of wood, they do; 
as regards true sylviculture, we are in a very backward state.”— 
** But also as to the extent of acreage under forest, are we not in a 
very backward condition?” ‘Certainly we are.”—-“ Do you not 
think that, commercially, the state of forestry in these countries is 
a matter of serious consideration for the empire?” “I think 
immense benefit would result, both economically and otherwise, 
from a more systematic management of our woods, and the skilled 
training of wood managers and subordinates.”—‘ With a view, as 
one of its main objects, to the extension of the forestry system in 
this kingdom ; is not that so?” ‘‘Certainly.”—‘‘ You are aware 
that the acreage under forest in the United Kingdom is excessively 
small as compared to that in France, in Germany, and most of the 
other countries of Europe?” ‘That is the case.”—‘ So that, as 
compared to the great forests that you know so well, the forests of 
India, it might almost be said that we are in a very bare state in 
this country?” “Very much so.” 
“Do you think that the institution of a forestry school in this 
country would be of very material consequence to the empire at 
large?” ‘Without a Forest School I do not see how we are to 
make any further progress; it is of immense consequence.” 
—‘ There has been considerable movement towards the establish- 
ment of a School of Forestry in Scotland, has there not?” ‘ Vari- 
ous steps have been taken, which I have already alluded to. We 
have the Arboretum attached to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, 
and we have the beginning of a museum and a library, and we 
want now a curriculum or chair of forestry for teaching.”—“ You 
want a systematic plan of teaching forestry in Scotland?” 
“We are endeavouring to apply the small surplus of the late 
Forestry Exhibition in that direction. The Marquis of Lothian 
has sent out a circular, and some £800 or £900 have come 
in towards that purpose; but we want £10,000 to found a 
Chair.” —“ But besides establishing a forestry school in Edinburgh, 
would you not also think it very desirable that there should be a 
forestry school in this country?” ‘I think there should be one in 
Scotland, one in England, and one in Ireland.”—“ But in Eng- 
land?” “ Certainly.”—“‘ You think it very desirable that there 
should be a forestry school in England embracing a class of 
