THE ADVANTAGES OF SHELTER-BELTS. Ill 



Young trees cannot thrive where ground game is abundant, 

 and unless trees are thoroughly protected planting is in vain. 

 But it is greatly to the interest of both landlords and tenants 

 to keep rabbits well killed down; when numerous they do an 

 enormous amount of damage, and, in these days when every 

 acre should produce to its utmost capacity, it is highly necessary 

 to keep rabbits absolutely in check. It is not only what they 

 eat but what they foul, and it is well known by practical 

 stockmen that where grass is tainted by rabbits sheep never 

 do well. 



The policy of the Government, in seeking to reduce 

 unemployment, and at the same time encourage the planting 

 of suitable shelter-belts, is a wise and beneficial one ; and it is 

 sincerely to be hoped that it will be prosecuted on an extensive 

 scale, and thus add generally to the tranquillity of the people 

 and the productivity of the whole country, because, by extensive 

 shelter-belt planting, both stock and crops can be materially 

 increased. 



After all, agriculture, with which forestry can be economically 

 combined, is the oldest and most important industry in the 

 country, employing more capital and labour than any other, 

 and if it can be rendered more successful, it follows naturally 

 that other and minor industries will also prosper. 



