238 FORESTRY IN VICTORIA. 



timber can be maintained for some time by opening out communi- 

 cations to imtouched forests. The past rate of cutting in hard- 

 woods can be maintained indefinitely under a proper system of 

 management. 



It would appear that forest conservancy in New South Wales 

 has made a good start on rational lines. Special attention should 

 be paid to : — 



(1) The formation of permanent State forests of sufficient 



extent to meet future requirements. 



(2) The preparation of working plans based on the principle 



of a sustained yield. 



(3) Afforestation with conifers to provide softwoods instead 



of importing them. 



(4) Organisation of efficient fire protection, grazing control and, 



if possible, extermination of rabbits. 



(5) Economic lumbering. 



(6) Opening out of communications by roads and other means 



of transport. 



(7) The prevention of political interference with the action of 



the Forest Commission. 



III. VICTORIA. 

 1. CONFIGUEATION AND ClIMATE. 



Victoria is situated between the 35th and 39th degree of 

 southern latitude and between the 141st and 150th degree of 

 eastern longitude. Its area is 87,884 square miles and its 

 population 1,315,551 (in 1911). 



The Dividing Range traverses the State from east to west, 

 generally at a distance of 60 to 80 miles from the coast. It rises 

 to various heights, ranging between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, but to 

 6,000 feet in the north-eastern part of the State. About one-third 

 of the country consists of rugged highlands and two-thirds of 

 plains below 1,000 feet elevation. The highlands consist almost 

 entirely of carboniferous, Devonian, Silurian and Ordovician 

 (gold bearing) sedimentary rocks. 



The Soils along the river flats have mostly been taken up for 

 cultivation, the forests being relegated, more and more, to the 

 poorer areas. The major portion of the State consists of sandy, 

 clayey, or gravelly loams. 



