96 FORESTRY IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 



owners, on the ground that the proprietors had received much 

 higher prices for the timber than they would have obtained in 

 ordinary times. This was, however, not the case in all instances, 

 and, considering the moderate yield of most of the woods before 

 the war, it is very doubtful whether any of the proprietors realised 

 more than a fair return on their previous outlay. It should also 

 be remembered that it would be an unsound policy to attempt the 

 immediate replanting of the large areas, from which coniferous 

 timber has recently been felled, on account of the danger from 

 insect pests. Under these conditions the Sub-Committee consi- 

 dered it unwise to employ immediate compulsory methods, but 

 they drew attention to the fact that the State can take any 

 necessary measures, when considering the general question, 

 whether an owner is making the best use of his land in the national 

 interest. If land previously under timber is not put to better use, 

 the onus will be upon the owner to show why it should not again 

 be put under timber. This will act as an indirect compulsion to 

 replant all the areas which cannot be used to greater profit in some 

 other way. In the meantime the Sub-Committee recommend 

 that grants up to the maximum of £2 and £4 respectively made 

 for planting new ground with conifers or hardwoods, should also 

 be admissible in the case of clear-felled and devastated areas, 

 each case being considered on its own merits. 



8. Afforestation and Employment. 



The scheme of State afforestation recommended by the Sub- 

 Committee begins with the planting of 3,300 acres in the second 

 year, to be increased by regular steps to 30,000 in the tenth year. 

 Assuming that, on an average, one man will be required for each 

 scheme involving the planting of 10 acres per annum, the number 

 of men permanently settled on the land would be 330 in the second 

 year and 3,000 in the tenth year, in each case exclusive of 

 supervision. 



After the plantations have been established, and up to the 

 fifteenth year, they require comparatively little attention, 

 consisting of weeding for 2 or 3 first years after planting, and 

 occasional repairs of fences and drains. From about the fifteenth 

 year onwards the plantations require to be thinned, first lightly 

 and gradually more strongly ; roads will have to be made and 



