I20 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



blending of different gums of similar constitution and habit 

 in plantations seem decidedly preferable to the pure-planting 

 of one variety. Thus, a heavy stringy bark in admixture with 

 a clean, thin-barked species would more than likely frustrate 

 any rapid spread of certain diseases, and the more vigorous 

 type would create humidity for the tree requiring this condition. 

 Such species as E. vt?ni?ialis, E. 7?iacarthurii, E. regnans, 

 E. coriacea^ E. linearis, etc., are hardy and comparatively free 

 from pests (excepting Gonipferus), but in favourable localities 

 none of these varieties should constitute the principal timber 

 produced : although their association with the more valuable 

 woods would certainly prove to be advantageous. 



The species that appears to be admirably adapted for the 

 less harsh Canterbury conditions is E. deiegatensis (Tasmanian 

 oak or mountain ash), a straight-grained, fissile timber, with 

 the appearance of oak. The tree develops quickly, grows at 

 high altitudes (up to 4000 feet or more), and finds a congenial 

 home in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. Seeds 

 of this gum were secured, and efforts will be made to propagate 

 trees for planting out next year. Two other species that 

 merit a trial are E. nmelleriana and E. corynocalyx (sugar gum), 

 two heavy timbers with a sound reputation. Where such 

 species as E. hei?nphloia (box gum), E. sideroxylon (red iron- 

 bark), and E. pilularis (blackbutt) succeed, their inclusion in 

 any planting scheme is most desirable, on account of their 

 value for telegraph poles, etc. But the ironbarks are generally 

 sensitive to frost action, and New Zealand foresters are thus 

 compelled to select species perhaps of less value from a 

 durability point of view, which should find the climatic and 

 surface conditions more to their liking. Several instances 

 came under notice where failure attended the planting of iron- 

 barks, whereas species of slightly less value were making rapid 

 development in the immediate vicinity. 



The value of an arboretum, comprising all recognised 

 commercial gums, cannot be over-estimated in localities where 

 the production of hardwoods is aimed at, and with this end 

 in view specimens of some fifty species will be planted out next 

 season. 



Production of Softwoods. — Forestry authorities throughout 

 Australasia continue to plant waste lands on a large scale 

 with Fifius insignis, and the manner in which this pine adapts 



