68 EXPLOITATION OP THE MARITIME PINE. 



enterprise, and of the reclaimed land brought under annual culture. 

 And as regards the charcoal manufactured, it is remarked by M. 

 Boitel : 



" This would evidently be a source of possible wealth if the forests 

 were easily accessible, but they are not so as yet at least in the 

 Dunes, and will not be so until the newly planted trees arrive at a 

 valuable age. 



" Good roads are being made at present, and in future the maritime 

 pine may be cultivated for the sake of its timber as well as for its 

 resin. 



" The culture of the maritime pine has conferred invaluable benefits. 

 A considerable extent of low lying marshy land has been brought in, 

 once a focus of pestilence which decimated the population. It has 

 made it healthy and productive, and has introduced industry and 

 comfort into districts which seemed doomed to misery. The 

 maritime pine has also arrested the advance of the Dunes and pre- 

 vented them from overwhelming houses and arable land. Its 

 importance must increase. In the department of the Landes alone, 

 the extent already planted is more than 500,000 hectares. In the 

 Gironde there is almost as much, and very soon barren wastes and 

 sandy dunes will be things of the past." 



