558 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS .—K*. 
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY (K*). 
Thursday, September 7. 
CHarRMAN’s Appress by Major the Hon. RicHarD CoKE on A system of 
forestry for the British Isles (10.0). 
(1) The need for a system which is in accordance with nature’s methods 
and which, besides aiming at the production of timber of the utmost com- 
mercial value that is possible under the local conditions, has due regard for 
sporting amenities. 
(2) Reasons for and against planting large blocks of one species only. 
(3) Reasons for and against uneven-aged mixed woods known as 
‘ Jardinage ’ in France. 
(4) The prevalent neglect of encouraging natural regeneration in the 
British Isles, and the economic importance thereof. 
Lt.-Col. E. Pratt, M.C.—Factors affecting the propagation and rate of 
growth of Salix cerulea (11.0). 
At its meeting last year, this section of the Association discussed the 
systemity and origin of the cricket-bat willow, and Dr. Burtt Davy ex- 
pressed the view, which was undisputed, that the Essex or Chelmer Valley 
strain was, whatever its origin, the most reliable one for growers to plant. 
Having decided on the correct strain, we need to consider the factors 
which produce the growth of the large rings of white wood needed to make 
the popular light cricket bat. 
Salix coerulea is a tree naturally producing a red timber. The 
cricket-bat manufacturer aims at a bat weighing a little over two pounds, 
and the best way to obtain this is from trees which have made such a rapid 
growth, that seven to eight years’ thickness of white sap wood is obtainable. 
This can only be done by considering every factor which tends to produce 
rapid growth, and by utilising the timber before that growth has been 
checked. 
The factors to be considered are, the wood of the original cutting and its 
development into a strong pollard, the cultivation of the shoots of that 
pollard to produce the quickest and straightest growth, the question whether 
the set should be put in the nursery to grow a root before planting out, 
the best conditions as to site and propinquity to other trees, the manuring, 
pruning, and after-care of the growing tree, precautions against disease, 
and, finally, the decision as to the best age at which to sell and the best 
method of marketing. 
Mr. Wo. Datiimore.—Trees and the countryside (12.0). 
The important part played by trees in the landscape effect of the country- 
side is emphasised, with special reference to park, field and hedgerow trees, 
as apart from those grown in woods and forests. Some of the forces 
operating against the maintenance of such trees are discussed, and sugges- 
tions made for the better selection of trees for planting in small shelter 
woods, and spinneys, and in hedgerows on large estates and farms, with 
a view to maintaining the amenities of the countryside and bringing profit 
to the owners. Reference is also made to the need for better cultural care 
in the management of park and hedgerow trees. Attention is directed to 
the danger to healthy trees by allowing dead, dying and otherwise worn-out 
