important forest produce. 241 



5. Important Forest Produce. 



Victoria has practically no coniferous forests, but is rich in 

 hardwoods. Amongst the latter the Eucalypts take first place. 

 There are about 20 important species, which have been mentioned 

 above. There are also fine grained woods amongst which may be 

 mentioned Acacia Melanoxylon and Fagus Cunninghamii. 



Eucalyptus oil is produced in considerable quantities. The 

 species principally used for the purpose are E. polybractea, 

 sideroxylon, leucoxylon, Globulus, and amygdalina. The output 

 from the State forests exceeded 360 tons in 1918 — 1919. 



Tanning bark is obtained from 5 species of Acacia (Wattles). 

 There was a considerable export of the bark, but it has fallen off 

 considerably of late, owing to damage by fire, dear labour, and 

 large imports from Natal. 



6. Relationship of the State to the Forests. 



Legislation. — A Forest Act was passed in 1907 and amended in 

 1915. It provided a separate department under a Minister and 

 a Conservator of Forests. The latter had, however, little power. 

 It also provided for the permanent and temporary dedication of 

 reserves. In 1918 a new Act was passed which provided for : — 



(1) The removal of forests from political control. 



(2) The creation of a Commission of Management consisting of 



3 members with wide powers as regards the fixing of rates 

 for forest produce, the acquisition of land by purchase or 

 exchange, the conduct of forest industries, and the 

 management of the forests generally. 



(3) The preparation and control of working plans for the 



proper regulation of the yield. 



(4) The appointment and discharge of members of the forest 



stag. 



(5) An annual appropriation equal to one-half of the annual 



forest revenue with a minimum of £40,000. 



(6) The examination and survey of undemarcated mountain 



forests, and recommendation of their permanent reserva- 

 tion to the Governor-in-Council. 

 Methods of Forest Development. — (a) About 800 square miles of 

 forests have been brought under efficient fire protection. 



