138 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
right to be most fully considered ; and it is for this, as well as 
other more frequently discussed reasons, that I do not think we 
can hope to take population back to the land which is now 
established in the towns. 
On the other hand, I do think that a great deal might and 
should be done to retain the present country population in the 
country districts, and not only the present population, but their 
descendants also. This we can only do by the provision of 
employment on a large scale, and by the provision of proper 
housing accommodation, together with certain attractions and 
conveniences. I know that other panaceas are suggested. Are 
they practical or feasible? Take small holdings,—one of the 
ideas most largely before the public eye at present. Experience 
does not lead me to believe that small holdings can be profitably 
occupied, except in situations most exceptionally favoured by 
soil, climate, and proximity to markets. Such areas are, un- 
fortunately, limited in our country; and while I should most 
gladly see them occupied by families of small holders who 
could make a living, I fear it is useless to expect that any 
development in this direction on practical business lines can be 
sufficient to affect the larger question of retaining our present 
rural population, and possibly of increasing it. Small holdings 
can indeed only touch the fringe of the curtain that we want to 
see. ‘Turn to allotments: there has been no demand to speak 
of for allotments in Scotland up to date, and I don’t see how 
that idea, which I think is really a good one, is to be developed 
under present circumstances. But if there was that quantity ot 
employment going which a fully developed forestry system all 
over the country would provide, I think there would be a con- 
siderable demand for allotments; and I think a man well housed, 
with an allotment and constant employment at a fair avage, 
would think more than twice about drifting off to chance 
obtaining employment in a town. 
Now, gentlemen, I am not bringing this before you in any 
connection with politics, for politics have no place here, and I 
am not a politician; but, to my mind, the question of retaining 
a rural population is one of the most important of the day, of 
vital interest to every Scotsman, and one which stands on a 
plane above those many questions which form temporary 
political shuttlecocks. I fear this question is very difficult to 
solve by any solution which can be permanently successful, but 
