WarkER.—State Forestry: its Aim and Object. 197 
when asked. But at present, as I have said, it would be premature on my 
part to attempt to lay down any general rules. I would, however, certainly 
not try planting any of the indigenous descriptions—though we may do so 
in the department as. matter of experiment and for guidance. We all know 
the rapid and successful growth of the blue gum, especially near the sea, 
where it is not subject to sharp frosts; also of the Pinus insignis and 
Cupressus macrocarpa, the latter of which especially recommends itself to 
my mind for shelter on sheep runs. All the Californian Conifers appear to 
do well in this colony, and for beauty none can surpass the Abies douglasii, 
Pinus sabiniana, benthamiana, and other varieties from that region. The 
Himalayan varieties—P. excelsa, or Bhootan pine, and Cedrus deodara, also 
flourish, and are worthy of attention both from the value of their timber 
and their ornamental appearance. In bringing to a close the subject of 
planting, it may interest you to know what has been the result of some of 
our planting operations in India, chiefly with a view to showing their 
financial results so far as can at present be ascertained. The Chunga- 
Munga plantation, in the Punjaub, has an area of 7000 acres, commenced in 
1865, contains chiefly Indian blackwood (Dalbergia sissoo). The expendi- 
ture up to the end of 1873 had been £26,000, including £5000 spent during 
the first five years in unsuccessful experiments. £5000 had been received 
from petty thinnings (firewood), and minor produce, grazing dues, etc. 
From a careful valuation, and calculations made in 1878, it is estimated 
that the expenditure up to-1881, when the capital account closes, will be 
£97,000, and the value of the plantation be then £170,000. In considering 
the above results, it must be borne in mind that the rainfall in the dis- 
trict is under fifteen inches, with great heat in summer, and sharp frosts 
in winter. The whole plantation has to be irrigated from a neighbouring 
canal, being debited with a charge of four shillings per acre per annum, for 
the use of the water alone. Another important fact must be mentioned, 
viz., that, whereas the land on which the plantation stands was formerly 
almost valueless, and would not fetch an annual rental of two shillings 
per acre; twelve shillings, and even twenty shillings per acre is now 
readily obtainable, and the former has been offered for the whole or 
any portion when cleared. The rents mentioned, of course, include 
the water rate of four shillings per acre per annum. This plantation 
is intended eventually to cover 80,000 acres, and will undoubtedly prove 
a great success, both as regards direct financial profit, a supply of timber 
and firewood, which is much required, improving the soil and render- 
ing it fit for cultivation with cereals, and ameliorating the climate. The 
Nelambur Teak plantations in Madras Presidency cover 8000 acres, the 
oldest portion having been planted 80 years ago. The total expenditure, 
