28 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



which a considerable proportion would be suitable for aflForesta- 

 tion. After discussing the present condition of waste of forest 

 resources, or neglect to work forests under proper silvicultural 

 rules, not only in Great Britain but in other countries and 

 notably in America, they quote evidence to show that Ireland 

 is likely to be one of the most suitable countries in respect 

 to soil and climate for the growth of trees. They point out 

 that forestry, properly carried on, has a great influence on the 

 general prosperity of rural districts and industries, and that 

 a considerable supply of forest material is of the utmost im- 

 portance to Ireland itself; and they end with the conclusion that 

 an area of woodland of 1,000,000 acres, " should be regarded 

 as affording not more than a moderate insurance for the 

 agricultural and industrial needs of the country in the matter 

 of timber ; and that Ireland will not be managing her business 

 as a prudent nation if she does not take every measure open 

 to her at the present time to establish at least such a forest 

 area." 



Part IV. proceeds to discuss the "limits of afforestation," 

 and the extent of land in the country available for the purpose. 

 The Commissioners point out that two classes of land must 

 be barred out in forming an estimate, (i) Land which would 

 pay better for tillage or pasture ; and (2) genuine waste land, 

 which, from its exposed position, altitude, or character, would 

 not grow trees successfully at all. There remain then chiefly, 

 (a) large blocks of 500 acres or more of mountain land com- 

 paratively free from occupied holdings and unsuitable for agri- 

 culture ; {h) moderately-sized blocks of 100 to 500 acres of inferior 

 pasture or mountain land, chiefly attached to large holdings and 

 demesnes ; and (r) small areas of under 100 acres of rough 

 and semi-waste land interspersed with arable and pasture, and 

 uniformly distributed over the country ; and they consider that, 

 from their inquiries, at least 750,000 acres of suitable land are 

 available, of which from 200,000 to 300,000 fall into category {a). 

 They finally consider that the problems to be worked out 

 are — (i) the proper utilisation, through private owners and 

 County Councils, of about 300,000 acres of existing wood- 

 lands; (2) the creation of a State forest on about 200,000 to 

 300,000 acres of mountain or other rough land in large blocks ; 

 and (3) the planting of a further 500,000 acres, chiefly in com- 

 paratively small blocks, through private owners and County 



