REPORT OF FORESTRY COMMISSION. 123 



on the pine weevil, conducted with a view to reducing the 

 damage done by this insect. Then the occurrence and life- 

 history of Chermes cooleyi were among other important researches 

 carried to a further stage during the year. 



Among the other activities of the Commission is a census of 

 woodlands. It might well be a matter of reproach that a country 

 such as ours is not cognisant of the extent and resources of its 

 woodlands. All previous computations have been based more 

 or less on assumption, but now for the first time the matter has 

 been taken up in a systematic manner, and not only is the actual 

 area under timber being ascertained, but a clear distinction is 

 being drawn between (i.) economic or potentially productive 

 woodlands ; (ii.) uneconomic woodland area, including amenity 

 woods, shelter-belts, park timber, etc. 



It is noted that the Consultative Committees have continued 

 their labours, and have offered advice on a large variety of 

 subjects which were from time to time placed before them by the 

 Commission. Sections on planting procedure, the drought of 

 1 92 1, and a record of the publications issued by the Com- 

 missioners, conclude a most interesting report. 



It is with regret that one notices, under the heading of 

 " Assistance to Local Authorities and Private Owners," how 

 little has been achieved. For this lack of progress the Com- 

 missioners cannot be held responsible ; the defect is attributable 

 almost entirely to the terms under which advances may be 

 made under the Forestry Act, 191 9. The simple and effective 

 regulations of the Forestry Act of 192 1, which temporarily 

 enabled the Commissioners to make grants for planting schemes, 

 " unencumbered by any conditions except that unemployed 

 labour should be utilised," worked admirably, and seem clearly 

 to indicate the line which should be taken in future in order to 

 encourage afforestation on private estates. 



What is wanted for the more rapid increase of the country's 

 forest area for the maximum benefit and at a minimum cost 

 to the State is an extension of this principle — grants. 



The Report is an unpretentious volume, but it is difficult to 

 imagine anyone reading it without being impressed with the 

 immensity and difficulty of the task so skilfully handled by 

 Lord Lovat and his fellow Commissioners. 



