XX PROCEEDINGS, AUGUST. 
various species of coniferze, which for the most part furaish the deals of 
commerce, and that eventually great benefit would: accrue to the colony 
from the undertaking. But before entering upon a work of this descrip- 
tion it would be essentially necessary that some proper organisation 
should be formed for the purpose of carrying successfully the work in 
hand. To be of any commercial value large tracts of land would have 
to be operated upon, which would entail proper forest conservancy, not 
alone for the selection of the most suitable species for the various soils 
and districts, but also for the due protection of the plants in their early 
stages from fire, browsing of animals, and other dangers, and later on 
provision would have to be made for systematic thinning of the species 
and general arrangement. In all forest culture the benefits to be derived 
are indefinitely deferred, and on this account private individuals seldom 
enter on the work to any extent, and it theretore becomes essential that 
the initiatory steps should be by the Government as a national under- 
taking. As a rule the larger kind of conifer, grown for timber pur- 
poses, do not thrive on the lowlands, but always remain stunted and of 
little commercial value, but at an elevation of about 1,000ft. the growth 
would be much more satisfactory, and good results would be obtained. 
Pinus silvestris would probably require a higher altitude, as it is always 
of stunted growth on the lowlands or plains. The larch also would 
thrive at a higher altitude, as frequently on the plains it dies out during 
drought. The Soltara, Dammaris australis, would require a moist 
situation for successful culture ; it is generally stunted in growth when 
fully exposed on the lowlands. In the event of any effort being made 
tozstart the forest culture of soft-woeded trees, the following should be 
given a trial, as they are all valuable, and for the most part of ‘large 
growth, and would be likely to give yood results on suitable soils. 
Abies excelsa, the Norway spruce, white deal or Baltic fir of commerce, 
good, lofty, of fast growth and hardy. Abies menziesii, good timber 
tree. Abies douglasii, the red fir, a good large tree producing good 
spars. Sequoia sempervirens, the redwood, large, of quick growth, suit: 
able for wet ground. Pinus strobus, the white pine, said to be of quicker 
growth than the larch, good. Pinus resinoser, Canada, red pine, said to 
be one of the best timbers. Pinus silvestris, the Scotch pine, alse 
Russian and Baltic pine, good on suitable soils. Pinus austiaca, good 
for moist ground. The following should also find a place im forest 
culture, being of good commercial value :—The black walnut, Juglans 
nigia, good for cabinet work. ‘The American hickory, the ash, and 
elm, for coachbuilders’ work, and also the white poplar, and Cork oak. 
Pinus insignis appears generally to be held in bad repute by many, but, 
according to the report of the Woods aud Forests Conservancy of South 
Australia for 1891, this tree has been unfairly condemned. Trees of 10 
years’ growth, grown on poor sandy soil, were cut up, and various 
articles manufactured from the timber—tables, ladders, and fences—all 
of which have been thoroughly tested, and compare advantageously with 
articles manufactured from imported deals. ‘The timber takes a good 
polish, and requires less dressing with the plane than other deals, and is 
very tough and not liable to split on exposure. The difficulty of splitting 
this timber is said to be the reason why it has been unfairly condemned. 
As ‘Pinus insignis is one of our fastest growing trees—not over-particular 
as to soil and situation, and becomes of commercial value in less time 
than any other species, I would consider it indispensable for extended 
planting where a quick return would be a consideration.” 
By Mr. A. HaRuey :—‘‘ [ quite agree with Mr. Grant 7¢ introduction 
of larch, but not to the exclusion of the other trees mentioned. Scotch 
fir might also be included ; it makes splendid boat-boards, and I have it 
from reliable authority that larch trees 16 years after being planted out 
have been cut into:staves for herring barrels. ‘The bark-of the larch ‘is 
also used for'tanning purposes. ‘The price was not exaggerated,” 
