THE PLANTING OF WASTE LAND FOR PROFIT, 281 
it is hardly likely in this way to contribute much towards 
the solution of the problem of the unemployed; but it would 
always be at least a step in the right direction. 
There can, however, certainly be no question about the 
national benefits that would be derivable from large woodlands 
with regard to the maintenance, equalisation, and purification 
of our domestic water-supplies. And the activity now shown 
in different parts of the country in planting the water-catchment 
areas (¢.g., the Corporation works at Vyrnwy, near Liverpool, 
and at Talla Water, near Edinburgh) gives hope that perhaps 
some day soon the nation may awaken to a true knowledge 
of the importance of home-grown timber-supplies to the industrial 
wealth of a nation, and may then force the Government of 
the day, molens volens, either to undertake State-planting, or 
else to give adequate assistance and encouragement to private 
parties—or to do both of these, which would be far preferable, 
and would all the sooner ensure the attainment of the objects 
desired. 
