NOTE ON THE PLANTING OK POPLARS AT KININVIE. 71 



11. Note on the Planting of Poplars at Kininvie. 



By Lt.-Col. A. S. LESLIE. 



[The following Note on the planting of poplars at Kininvie 

 has been received from Lt.-Col. A. S. Leslie. 



The cultivation of poplars for economic use is a subject that 

 has been very much neglected in this country, the principal 

 reasons for which are referred to in the Note. The article 

 is of outstanding value, and its usefulness and reliability are 

 assured by the careful consideration given to the question 

 by the author himself, and the well-known experts whom 

 he has consulted in connection with certain fundamental 

 questions relative to the possibilities of poplars as economic 

 forest crops. 



The question is naturally still in an experimental stage, and 

 the experiment which is being initiated by Lt.-Col. Leslie will be 

 followed with great interest. It is only by such means that 

 further progress can be obtained. Future success depends 

 very intimately upon the way in which science and practice 

 are brought to bear upon economic problems, and we venture 

 to think that all will agree that Lt.-Col. Leslie has left very little 

 to chance in organising the lines upon which this important 

 experiment is to be conducted. — Hon. Ed.] 



A Note on the planting of poplars here was submitted to 

 one or two experts for advice, and the following summary 

 embodies their views : — 



1. The area proposed is probably suitable to the growth of 

 poplars. 



2. It is preferable to grow the poplars pure rather than in a 

 mixture with other species (see Balfour, Henry, and Marion). 



3. With regard to variety to be chosen opinions appear to be 

 at variance. 



Lt.-Col. F. R. S. Balfour recommends, without hesitation, 

 Populus irichocarpa of British Columbia, and gives particulars 

 as to its rapid growth, viz. 6 feet branch cuttings, 2 years old, 

 attained the following average dimensions : — 



„ . ,, Circumference 



He 'S ht - at 4 feet. 



In 8 years . . 30 feet 18 inches. 



In 10 years . . 40 feet 23 inches. 



