3 20 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



foresters. For "quality" of timber the plank of Pinus Instgnis 

 gave the best appearance, while for "quantity" and amount of 

 annual increment Abies Nobilis excelled. 



In the Open Section of the same competition the most note- 

 worthy plank was one of Tsuga Alberttana. This species is 

 being treated within recent years with more regard as a timber 

 tree in this country. Certainly from the appearance of the 

 plank shown by the Duke of Buccleuch it has qualities to 

 recommend it. The planks shown of Corsican pine were not 

 good, " heartwood " being conspicuous by its absence. The 

 first prize was awarded to the Duke of Buccleuch, and the 

 second to the Earl of Minto, who also secured first prize for 

 specimens of timber of three broad-leaved timber trees, other 

 than ash, elm, and oak. 



In the competition for a gate for farm use manufactured from 

 home-grown timber there were only two entries. This is always 

 an item of very great interest to working foresters, and the two 

 gates shown gave rise to a good deal of discussion. There are 

 those in favour of a heavy top-barred gate, and others who 

 prefer a gate made of bars all of even thickness. It would be 

 interesting to know which type goes to form the most service- 

 able and lasting gate. The one which the Judges placed as 

 first, and for which a No. i Silver Medal was awarded, was 

 exhibited by Mr D. H. M'Millan, Kilkerran Estate, Maybole. 

 The principle of this gate was bars all of even weight and 

 thickness with four diagonals ; the timber used in its construc- 

 tion was of excellent quality, being dark red in colour and 

 without knots. 



The second gate, exhibited by Mr J. Edwards, Castle 

 Kennedy, was of the heavy top-bar type with four lighter rails, 

 one diagonal and dropper. While this gate had not so smart 

 an appearance as that shown by Mr M'Millan, what it lacked 

 in good looks it atoned for in strength. A No. 2 Silver Medal 

 was awarded. 



The Duke of Buccleuch, per Mr David Crabbe, was awarded 

 a No. I Silver Medal for a self-closing wicket gate, shown in 

 working order. This was of good design and workmanship, and 

 reflected great credit on the maker. 



Possibly one of the most striking exhibits was that of Mr 

 John Munro, Letter House, Trossachs, by Callander, wha 

 showed his collection of fungi injurious to forest trees and 



