190 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCO'JTISH ARBOKICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



commercially valuable timber, and it would be in the com- 

 bined interests of the State and people generally if such land, 

 which at present evidently returns only a comparatively small 

 revenue, were planted. Afforestation work not only provides 

 healthy occupation, but the presence of trees in any locality, 

 amongst other tendencies, has an ameliorating effect on the 

 climate. The planting of trees, therefore, ought surely to receive 

 due recommendation by the State. Existing conditions in New 

 Zealand almost coincide with those of this country, and, 

 therefore, I feel sure your plantations would at least compare 

 favourably with those in the Dominion, except, perhaps, in the 

 semi-tropical places, where the annual development is marked. 

 I do not believe in planting spruces in large blocks, owing to 

 the disastrous effects of wind on such shallow-rooted trees. I 

 believe a partial remedy for that would be in planting some 

 deeper-rooted trees in groups round about, so as to provide 

 shelter for the spruce. This method of forming forests should 

 be more extensively adopted, and full information relative to the 

 matter should be widely distributed amongst estate owners. It 

 is generally recognised that the proportion of forestry enthusiasts 

 in most communities is small, and although your Society .has 

 undoubtedly the means of diffusing expert knowledge freely and 

 assisting worthy students to attain that knowledge, doubtless 

 your attempts are spoilt by agriculturists placing more value 

 on agriculture than on silviculture. The Government should 

 have a demonstration area which would be an instrument in 

 raising forest management throughout the country to a still 

 higher standard. It appears to me that the State should exercise 

 greater activity by securing and subsequently planting suitable 

 areas in several localities within reasonable distance from rail 

 and water communication. The distribution to private persons 

 and public bodies of State-grown trees at growing-cost price 

 might also be the means of extending artificial forests. The 

 under-planting at Novar was a revelation in how to combat 

 disease and make provision for a second crop. It also showed 

 the enduring capabilities up to a certain age of the species 

 introduced. The question is whether this system will maintain 

 such a measure of success in places where only a small rainfall 

 is recorded. I can only say the tour has been an educational 

 treat for me, and I heartily thank you for the extreme kindness 

 and consideration that has been extended to me. It will not be 



