COMMERCIAL FORESTRY IN THE HIGHLANDS. l8l 



Wood distilling is another way in which the smaller or 

 coppice wood was used. This is still carried on, but not 

 nearly on such a large scale as formerly. Bobbin or thread 

 reel making also was a means of utilising birch wood, but 

 this industry has taken wings too. A fairly good market is 

 still available for birch twigs, which are used in the manu- 

 facture of steel in the rolling mills. It may here be mentioned 

 that good coppice wood is now much more difficult to get, as 

 rabbits and sheep prevent it passing beyond even the bush 

 stage. The former are undoubtedly the worst enemy the 

 forester has to contend with, and since 1843, the date on 

 which they were first introduced into this country, they have 

 proved a great hindrance to the growing of trees; in fact, so 

 numerous have they become that they have been the means 

 of decreasing the value of grazing land. 



A system of light railways with improved canal or waterways 

 would do much to enhance the value of Highland timber. 

 Water is plentiful throughout the Highlands, and if it could 

 be harnessed for power would prove very useful. 



One bright speck has appeared on the horizon in the shape 

 of the new Forestry Commission, which is composed of men of 

 matured experience in forestry, and to them we look to stimu- 

 late this decaying Highland industry. Tree-growing on broad 

 and commercial lines, which would assist greatly towards rein- 

 stating a fast disappearing population, is an urgent necessity. 

 Let our legislators not forget that what is suitable for the 

 Lowlands may be quite unsuitable for the Highlands. 



Britain imports or pays away to foreign countries about 

 ^70,000,000 for timber, or about 18,000,000 tons. I would 

 suggest a slight tariff of say 6d. per ton on each ton imported, 

 the proceeds of the tariff to be devoted to the help of both 

 Government and private growers of home timber. This tariff 

 would amount to ^450,000, at 6d. per ton. 



