152 transactions of royal scottish arboricultural society. 



. The Institute of Handicraft Teachers, 

 Edinburgh Branch. 



On 25th June last the Edinburgh Branch of the Institute of 

 Handicraft Teachers met at the Royal Botanic Garden, to hear 

 a lecture on *' Trees," delivered by Mr J. L. S. Smith, M.A., 

 B.Sc, lecturer on Forest Botany at the University. The 

 Institute, which is a new organisation in Edinburgh, is an 

 offshoot of the Handiwork Section of the Educational Institute 

 of Scotland. The parent body has its headquarters in England, 

 and has a membership of considerably over 1000, consisting 

 almost exclusively of trained handiwork teachers. The Edin- 

 burgh branch was formed by a few enthusiasts who meet about 

 once a month to discuss topics calculated to advance the subject 

 of handiwork. 



By the courtesy of the Regius Keeper, Mr Smith's lecture was 

 delivered in the lecture hall at the Garden. It dealt with such 

 subjects as the differences between firs and pines, willows and 

 alders. Thuja and Cupressus^ planes and sycamores, and many 

 specimens were provided for the use of the audience in which the 

 distinguishing features of the various genera or species could be 

 recognised. The general subject of afforestation was also dealt 

 with, especially in its bearing on rural depopulation, on 

 increasing home timber supplies, and in preventing "wash-outs" 

 in Highland glens. A number of lantern slides were shown in 

 illustration. It is hoped to make a meeting at the Botanic 

 Garden an annual event, and Mr. Smith's lecture was of much 

 value in providing the teachers with much definite and practical 

 information bearing on their subject. 



