7 



(Xylosma Monospora), and Sneezewood (Ptwoxylon Utile). Here, as almost everywhere 

 else in Natal, the absence of young stock is striking. The best timber has been cut out, 

 and the forest so damaged in other respects that it will probably be found best to close it 

 for a number of years. 



The country between the Gwangwane Hiver, which forms the boundary of Griqua- 

 land East, and the Umzimkulu River is richly wooded. The Gwangwaue Forest, situ- 

 ated on Crown Land, is the largest and most important in this region. It is a truly 

 magnificent forest ; indeed, for its size, the finest that I have yet seen in South Africa, 

 -and the nearest approach to a pure forest of yellowwood. The trees are well grown and 

 regular, average between three and four feet in diameter and a hundred in height, and 

 consist chiefly of Upright Yellowwood, mixed with a few Outeniqua Yellowwoods, 

 Stink woods, Wild Chesnuts, and White Iron wood. In the lower^portion, the standing 

 stock per acre may be estimated at 10,000 cubic feet, consisting of 25 Yellowwoods, 

 containing 9,000 cubic feet, and 8 other trees containing 1,000 cubic feet. An excellent 

 feature is the presence of a young growth of yellowwood, partly in the pole stage. At 

 present, the forest is only reached by a road from Griqualand East, and the quantity of 

 timber felled in it has been small. The destruction of young trees by natives has also 

 been slight, but the forests nearer Dronk Vlei being now almost cleared of wattles 

 and poles, it will increase rapidly if it is not checked. There are few natives near the 

 forest, and in consequence, few mealie gardens along the edge. 



The Gwangwane forest forms part of the East end of a piece of land reserved in the 

 centre of location No. 1. The area is about 2,200 acres, the altitude 4,500 to 5,000 ^eet, 

 and the aspect south. Much -of the ground is flat or gently sloping, and nearly the whole 

 of the forest could be worked without any difficulty. The soil is very moist, deep, and 

 rich, and covered with a luxuriant growth of ferns and grasses. The climate appears to be 

 mild, and the remarkably straight growth of the trees, indicates that the intervening high 

 ridge between the Urnzimkulu and the Gwangwane, affords effectual protection from 

 easterly gales. 



The Umbani forest, and one or two other patches, covering together some 1,500 

 acres, are also situated in the reserve surrronnded by location No. 1, but nearer the Um- 

 zimkulu, and on steeper ground than the Gwangwane, which they resemble in point of 

 richness, though the yield of yellowwood would be much less. These forests have not been 

 worked because they are difficult of access. 



Nearly 4,000 acres of virgin forest are found on the location itself. Five or six 

 patches covering about 2,600 acres are grouped together near the north-western boundary, 

 some of them possibly on Crown Land. Their distance from native settlements has served 

 to shield them from destruction, and they are yet practically intact. South of the 

 ^Gwangwane forest occurs a small piece covering some 250 acres of steep south slopes. 



