67 



ing- much more attention to the appearance of their mill grounds 

 and camps than was the case even a few years ago a movement 

 that certainly is to be encouraged. 



Tree planting for commercial return by sugar plantation com- 

 panies is usually confined to areas unavailable for agricultural 

 crops, such as gulch sides, rocky corners and the like, that would 

 otherwise be classed as waste land. Almost every plantation has 

 such land. Much of it is in close proximity to camps where 

 live the people who would be the chief users of fuel wood. But 

 whether trees are planted with the object of producing fuel or 

 some other form of wood, it is good business so to utilize- areas 

 that would otherwise lie unproductive. The plantation companies 

 that are vigorously carrying on such work now will benefit from 

 it largely in the future. 



The accompanying table, compiled from answers to a general 

 request for tree planting data sent to sugar plantations, stock 

 ranches and other large tree planters, shows approximately the 

 total number of trees set out throughout the Territory during the 

 past two years. The figures in each case are those given by the 

 companies themselves. While of course the grand total cannot 

 be claimed to include all trees planted, it is thought to be a pretty 

 close approximation to the true figure. Naturally this table in- 

 cludes all classes of tree planting, as have similar estimates in 

 former years. For comparison the totals for the last five years 

 may be given, as follows: 



Total Number of Trees Reported Planted, 1908-1912. 



1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 



498,677 597,381 725,022 1,134,940 1,303,698 



As in past years the Division of Forestry stands ready, upon 

 request, to draw up planting plans for any locality in the islands, 

 having in mind the desire of the owner for one or another type 

 of forest, and based on a study of the local conditions. The cost 

 of this service consists merely in the traveling expenses of the 

 agent sent. As has already been said, plant material can be ob- 

 tained from the Division of Forestry at cost price. 



