78 FOREST CULTURE AND 
planted trees along its lines might most readily be 
resorted to, and dangerous encroachments thereby be 
avoided. 
No one ever expected our most serviceable Railway 
Department to be burdened with the additional heavy 
task of entering on cultural pursuits, and I see no 
way of attaining the object here specially indicated 
unless purposely financial means and administrative 
organizations were provided by the State, 
In a special work (Die Bepflanzung der Eisenbahn 
Damme, etc., by E. Lucas, second edition, 1870) the 
methods adopted in Germany for utilizing the railway 
dams, and the free space within railway fences, for 
wood and fruit culture, is amply discussed. With 
the increasing value of culture-land this question of 
utilizing the spare ground along railways becomes 
more and more important. Where the space proves 
too narrow for rearing timber- trees, Hazel, Olives, 
Figs, Mulberries, Almonds, Osiers, Sumach, Myall, 
Ricinus, Blackberries, and such other lower trees or 
bushes as require no great attention, could doubtless 
be grown with profit. It might also be possible to 
establish advantageously permanent hedges of Haw- 
thorn, Opuntias, Osage Orange, and other not readily- 
inflammable and easily-managed bushes. Luzern and 
Sainfoin are much cultivated along continental rail- 
way-lines as fodder-herbs. 
In North America six hundred and fifty Walnuts 
or Hickories are planted on an acre ; though standing 
so close, they are worth twelve shillings in twenty 
_ years for a variety of purposes. If wanted for heavy 
timber or nuts, they are thinned out so as to keep 
them twenty feet apart, This may serve as an indi- 
