Bucuanan.—On Charring Timber as a Protection from Teredo. 187 
accounts I have read of it in the publication referred to, answer every 
purpose. I notice it complains of our Blue Gum not lasting. At this I do 
not wonder, and much question if the timber alluded to is Blue Gum at all. 
I have seen timber shipped from here as such that was utterly worthless 
for exposed works. 
* We have made many changes from the old plan of wharf-building, 
saving a considerable expense, and ensuring a greater stability and more 
durability in the upper portion above the water, the particulars of which 
would occupy too much space in this letter. But should your Government 
be inclined to try the experiment, I shall be most happy to furnish them 
with further particulars. 
« His Excellency Mr. Weld has paid a visit to the new pier and witnessed 
the process of charring, and, I believe was very favourably impressed with 
its utility. At the same time he inspected the specimens taken from piles 
charred and not charred, and which are the same pieces as those I am 
forwarding to you.—I am, ete., 
** Jous Watson, late Shipbuilder. 
* The Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, Esq." 
Art. XIII State Forestry: Its Aim and Object. 
By Carram CAMPBELL WALKER. 
[Read before the Otago Philosophical Society, December 21, 1876.] 
Since I became connected with the Indian Forest Department, twelve 
years ago, the question has very frequently been asked me, ** What do you 
do? What is State Forestry ? Do you plant trees, or cut them down ?” 
And one fair correspondent, writing since I came to New Zealand, asked 
tersely, * Have you planted a tree yet?" Now, it is not easy in a few 
words to give an exact definition of what Forestry, and especially State 
Forestry, really is, and what are the duties in which the forest employés 
should be engaged ; and I have generally replied that I could not reveal the 
‘secrets of my craft. I propose pursuing a contrary course this evening, 
and hope, ere I finish, to initiate you, even though it be only in the first 
degree. 
The ‘Gardeners’ Chronicle” of 5th August last, defined practical 
forestry as distinct from fanciful or ornamental, as ** the art and practice of 
growing the largest quantity of the most valuable wood or timber upon the 
smallest area of ground in the shortest period of time." And this is doubt- 
less a sufficiently accurate definition of the art as applicable to private 
