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Horticulture. 297 
is situated on the Volcanic Plateau, the pumice soil and general climatic condi- 
tions, at an altitude of 1000 feet and upwards, being ideal for afforestation 
purposes. The other areas are in the montane belt of the South Island, 
principally in Canterbury and Otago, tussock-steppe being the formation replaced. 
The trees that have been most extensively planted are Zarixr decidua, Pinus 
laricio, P. austriaca, several Eucalypti the nomenclature of which is not quite 
certain, Catalpa speciosa, Quercus sessiliflora and Picea excelsa. Strange to 
say Pinus sylvestris is absolutely worthless for afforestation in any part of 
New Zealand, the trees early on becoming diseased. So too, the above Calalpa 
has proved quite valueless.. The Commission came to the conclusion that of 
all trees the most important for afforestation purposes was Pinus radiata, since 
it grows with astonishing rapidity in all soils and situations and is ready for 
conversion at the age of 35 years. Plantations about 30 years old, the trees 
planted too far apart for making the best timber are now being felled in Canter- 
bury and are yielding 100,000°) superficial feet to the acre. Larix decidua is of 
no use ‘for forestry purposes in the lowland belt but the plantations of thus 
tree at Hänmer (North-eastern district) are splendid. Inthe dry area of Central 
Otago several species of Populus grow with great vigour. ’ en 
I) According to R. G. RosInson (Journ. Cant. Ag. and Past. Assoc., 8, 3 ser. (1920): 10) 
60,000 superficial feet is what may be expected. 
