98 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



all knew, always received more parliamentary consideration than 

 Scotland did. Ireland was once famous for its forests, the area of 

 which exceeded that of the open ground, and these forests 

 appear to have been placed more than once under State 

 protection. They were chiefly famous for their oaks, enormous 

 numbers of which were cut to supply the needs of the navy, but 

 a still greater quantity was cut for barrel staves. Ironworks too, 

 consumed much oak. Numerous Acts of Parliament were 

 passed to prevent the too severe exploitation of these forests, 

 and to provide for replanting, but we read, "they were based 

 on the principle of voluntary action, and being solely permissive 

 in character — they failed in effect." History, as they all knew, 

 had the habit of repeating itself. 



The President, who had to leave the m.eeting at this stage, 

 said we ought not to allow the question of national afforestation 

 to drop into the background, and that we should continue to 

 press the Government to declare their policy on the subject. 

 Government must show that they mean business in this matter, 

 and that they are in earnest about the subject. Meantime they 

 had only been nibbling at it. They had never committed 

 themselves to any definite and comprehensive policy. The 

 Society wanted an acknowledgment that afforestation is a 

 national concern, and having got that, they would be quite 

 willing to wait, but until such an assurance is got the Society 

 cannot drop its agitation. The question is one which does not 

 command votes; and such questions are sure to be shelved 

 unless constantly kept to the front. The Society must therefore 

 continue wearying the Government until they feel obliged to 

 declare a definite policy. He concluded by expressing regret 

 for having to leave the meeting before the discussion was 

 concluded. 



Sir John Stirling-Maxwell, who then took the chair, said that 

 he was sure the meeting would fall in with the suggestion of the 

 President, that the Council should press the Government to give 

 an assurance that schemes of afforestation would be prepared as 

 suggested. This was unanimously agreed to. 



A lengthy discussion then took place, in which most of the 

 members took part. The finding of the meeting was that the 

 President's suggestions should be given eff"ect to. 



Supplementary Note by Mr Price. — In the various articles in 

 the Transactio7is to which attention has just be called, several 



