498 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.—K*. 
narrow view of what a forest is, particularly in the fields of biology and soil science, 
The outlook is hopeful, but a speedy realisation of the need for a thoroughly scientific 
approach to forestry is urged. 
Wednesday, September 30. 
Mr. J. 8. Corzert, O.B.E.—Railways as Consumers of Timber. 
During the past ten years vast strides have been made in research and education 
in forestry matters. The demand for timbers of Empire origin has considerably 
increased, and the general public at last shows signs of taking an intelligent interest 
in forestry matters. This is all to the good, but have any steps been taken to improve 
the condition under which Empire timbers are marketed ? In this connection it 
may be worth while to consider the position as it affects some of the largest consumers 
of timber within the Empire. 
For the purpose of this paper an industry which probably consumes more timber 
than any other undertaking is dealt with. Figures will be given showing the annual 
consumption and value of the different species of hardwood and softwood timber 
used by the various departments, together with the country of origin, and suggestions 
are offered showing how, with efficient organisation, the whole of the timber used might 
well be of Empire origin. 
Mr. W. P. K. Finptay.—The Effect of Progressive Fungal Decay on the 
Mechanical Strength of Timber. 
The general fact that fungal decay lowers the strength of timber is well known, 
but no definite information as to the amount of damage caused by different fungi 
at various stages of decay has been available. Experiments are described in which 
small, carefully selected, test pieces of Sitka spruce were exposed to the attack of 
Trametes serialis growing in pure culture under controlled conditions. At various 
periods after infection these were tested for strength, and then chemically analysed. 
The results showed that the wood loses strength very rapidly, and that this loss may 
be closely correlated with the chemical changes brought about by the fungus, which _ 
precede any loss in weight of the wood due to the respiration of the fungus. 
Dr. R. N. Curystat.—sStudies in the Biology and Forest Relations of the 
Pine Shoot Moth, Evetria (Ryacionia) buoliana, Schiff., by the late 
Clement Cr ayshaw Brooks, M.Sc. 
Brief history of the species with particular reference to its economic importance. 
The conditions in the pine areas of East Anglia. Life-history and habits of the 
insect. Types of damage caused by the caterpillar and their effect upon the host 
tree. Some factors regulating the economic damage of the insect. Control Measures : 
Natural control—The insect parasites—Artificial Control—The method of debudding. 
Some recent trials of the method and their probable significance. General conclusions 
as to the,importance of the insect as a factor in the pine areas of Hast Anglia. 
Mr. AtexanperR Howarp.—Our British-Grown Hardwood Trees (No. 3). 
The paper calls attention to early history of the building up of the woodlands of 
Great Britain and Ireland. 
Reference is made to the attitude of successive Governments in penalising, by 
heavy taxation, those who ought rather to have been regarded as benefactors and 
patriots for having provided the country with the woodland beauty which has made 
England famous all over the world, and with the necessary reserve of timber which 
has stood them in good stead on so many occasions. 
The paper continues to insist upon the absolutely vital necessity of some vigorous 
step being taken to replace the hardwood trees which are now being destroyed to the 
point of extermination. 
Reference is made to the almost world-wide destruction of hardwood timber 
trees, together with the certainly world-wide failure in making any sufficient attempt 
to reproduce them, and refers to the satisfactory action in those few countries where 
scientific forestry is practised and real efforts are being made, and calls for the appoint- 
ment of a Government Forestry Department based upon the best scientific plan which 
ean be devised. 
Pictures were shown on the screen of forest life and interest over a great many 
parts of the world 
——— 
ae 
