EXAMPLE PLOTS OR FOREST GARDENS. 317 
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XXIX. Example Plots or Forest Gardens. 
By Lieut.-Colonel F. BarLey. 
As misconception appears to prevail in some quarters in regard 
to the purpose for which “Example Plots” are required, and 
consequently as to the localities in which they should be estab- 
lished, I take this opportunity of explaining how, in my opinion, 
this question stands. 
The impossibility of giving effective practical instruction in 
Modern Scientific Forestry, in the absence throughout the country 
of timber-crops which have been raised in accordance with 
its tenets, is universally admitted. As a means of overcoming 
this difficulty, the Forestry Committee (1902) recommended the 
formation of— 
(1) “ State Demonstration Forests,” or large areas (2000 to 
10,000 acres) of woodlands, in which every proved and appro- 
priate method for economical and effective working, and the 
utilisation of forest products, would be employed, under com- 
petent direction, and which would be made use of as educational 
object-lessons. They would be managed according to a working- 
plan, drawn up so that the area should yield as large a profit 
as possible. These forests would, as a matter of course, com- 
prise nurseries, and a portion of their area would, no doubt, be 
set apart for experimental purposes. Nothing more need be 
said about these forests at present. 
(2) “ Example Plots,” regarding which it is necessary to goa 
little more into detail. The paragraphs of the Committee’s 
Report which deal with these plots run as follows :— 
15. Even where access may be had to private woods, it is exceedingly 
desirable that collegiate instruction in forestry should be illustrated by means 
of example plots (the German Forstgartex). These are a considerable feature 
of the teaching in the University of Giessen and elsewhere on the Continent, 
and they have been reproduced ona small scale at Coopers Hill and on the 
Northumberland Demonstration Farm. If each plot be made of sufficient 
size, say three acres, it is capable not only of demonstrating principles and the 
effect of mixing and management, but also, within limits, of yielding compara- 
tive financial results. A total area of 100 to 200 acres at each centre would be 
necessary and sufficient for this purpose. In confirmation of this opinion, 
Professor Schwappach allows us to quote his view, that the plots at Giessen 
(the whole area of which is only 16} acres) are too small, and that the serious 
effects of curtailed space are already being felt. We have made an inspection 
