FORESTRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 961 
unchecked by any timber whatever, goodness knows what the 
results will be. A short time ago I noticed in Riverina a remark- 
able example of the effects of wind on an extensive open plain. 
Near one extremity of the plain a wire-netting rabbit-proof fence 
had been erected five years ago. The fence was not visible when 
I was there, for it had been covered over by a triangular mound 
of soil, and was consequently absolutely useless for the purpose 
intended. Five years prior to its erection in its present position 
it had been put up a short distance away, with the same result 
that had again come about. It will not be shifted again, but the 
soil will be dug or ploughed away. The wire netting had caught 
dead grass and rubbish, and this prevented the soil from blowing 
through the meshes. I observed another curious effect in conse- 
quence of the accumulation of soil, and this was the formation of 
a swamp on land that used to be perfectly dry. 
In the same district I noticed the remarkable beneficial effects 
of a piantation—a belt—of shelter trees, chiefly pepper-trees 
(Schinus molle). These trees were about from 15 to 20 feet in 
height only, but they effectually sheltered an extensive area from 
a strong wind which was biowing at the time of my visit. The 
sudden change in driving from almost a tempest to a dead calm 
was very marked. 
In the most beautiful timbered districts in this colony—about 
the Richmond and Tweed Rivers—the settlers are carrying on the 
most reckless destruction of the splendid timbers which thrive to 
perfection there. Millions of feet of such timbers as the Blackbean 
(Castanospernum australi), the Rosewood (Dysoxylon Lraser- 
ianum), native-beech (Gmelina Leichhardtt), silky oak (Grevillea 
robusta), and others, are burnt to ashes and utterly wasted, and 
magnificent trees are being swept away. It will be difficult to 
preserve any of this timber, or retain reservations, owing to the 
remarkable fertile soil and its value for agricultural purposes, 
and the great demand for land for settlement. However, the 
value of the timber, and the value of the trees for shelter purposes, 
may possibly become recognised before they all disappear. For 
instance, a short time ago an intelligent farmer there informed me 
that he had purchased a block of timber land near his farm for 
the sole object of preserving the trees. When he told me this I 
asked him to shake hands, for I honour that man more than I 
can say. 
It would not be difficult to give numerous instances of the evil 
effects of thoughtless clearing or ringbarking. All those persons 
“gia settle on the land should think well before they meddle with 
a single living tree; but I fear it is of little use preaching this 
Saki Such is my experience, and not until the mischief has 
been completed will the effects of injudicious destruction be 
realised. 
3P 
