20 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



good to the Government to set up this body, an Interim Forest 

 Authority, to make certain preliminary arrangements for the 

 development of afforestation in the United Kingdom, and I 

 should like to say that we have with us to-day representatives 

 of all parts of the United Kingdom except Wales. Mr Davies 

 is not here, but we have Mr Ponsonby from Ireland, Lord 

 Clinton, Lord Lovat, Colonel Fothringham, and Mr R. L. 

 Robinson. But we have been set up merely as an Interim 

 Authority, having a certain sum of money only secured to 

 31st Match, though we have assurances that we shall have 

 further funds after that date. There is no certainty as to the 

 form which legislation will take, but until legislation is passed 

 we are instructed to work in close touch with existing Depart- 

 ments. But clearly as an interim body, and without any 

 certainty that we shall pass into a permanent body, we shall not 

 be able to say things so definitely as if we were permanent. 

 We expect legislation- next year, but we can have no certainty 

 about it. It seems to all of us, however, one of our most important 

 duties to give help in the restoration of our reserves of timber, 

 not only in Scotland but in the other parts of the United 

 Kingdom, and in spite of our limitations we hope to get this 

 work really started. I am very glad you have been kind 

 enough to come, and I am sure that we shall be able, if I may 

 say so, to work together for good if you will talk to us in the 

 most candid way about what you would like us to do. 



" I have been given a sketch of procedure. I roughed out 

 half-a dozen headings under which you might desire to talk 

 to us, and I find that under the heading about re-planting 

 Mr Leslie and Mr Macdonald will speak on behalf of the 

 Society." 



Mr Leslie. — " Mr Macdonald and I have been asked to express 

 our views as to what efforts proprietors are likely to make in 

 order to secure the reafforestation of the lands on their estates 

 suitable for growing timber, and I can testify that, so far as the 

 North of Scotland is concerned, there is abundant and gratifying 

 evidence that proprietors have made up their minds to begin 

 planting operations on a scale commensurate with their financial 

 ability as soon as there is a sufficient supply of labour available 

 for the purpose. Even if no steps were taken by the Govern- 

 ment to promote afforestation, I am convinced that the stimulate 



