So AFFORESTATION IN SCOTLAND. 



as a means of increasing the prosperity of the High- 

 lands, will be assured.^ 



7. The progressive decrease of rural population in Scot- 

 land revealed by the Census returns is causing 

 grave anxiety to all who are concerned for the 

 national welfare. Silviculture offers a remedy which 

 (as it has been the object of the writers to show) can 

 be put to the proof on a considerable scale at no 

 prohibitive expense ; and a united demand on the 

 part of the foresters of Scotland is the first step 

 towards securing such a trial. 



' The Highlands and Islands Commission (1892) scheduled in Glen Mor 

 900 acres of old arable land as suitable for cultivation, and for extension 

 of existing holdings or creation of new ones. If 10 acres are taken as the 

 average holding capable of supporting a family by agriculture alone, 90 families 

 over and above the existing population can be established in Glen Mor; if 

 20 acres, then 45 families. The present Survey shows 60,000 acres of land 

 immediately afforestablc. Within the first 20 years i family to each 200 acres 

 of forest area, or 300 families, could be supported by afforestation. After the 

 40th year 600 families could be supported. 



