FIKLD MEETINGS FOR 1917 223 



REPORT OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF THE NATURAL 

 HISTORY SOCIETY FOR 1917. 



Ri<;ad by Mr. Nicholas Temperley, Chairman of the 

 Field Mketings Committee for 1917. 



These out-door meetings have agaui been restricted to short 

 distances from town. The numbers attending them were 

 not so large as in peace times, but there were much keenness 

 and enthusiasm among the m^embers, and it is very evident 

 that it is desirable to continue the field meetings on a similar 

 basis. 



Chopwell Woods, May 19TH. 



These woods form now a demonstration area, where tlie 

 forestry students of Armstrong College can have practical 

 experience in most of the details of their work. The wood- 

 lands extend to about 900 acres, and are Crown property. 

 They have had a checkered career. In the days of timber 

 ships, oak was grown here, and it was used to build " the 

 wooden walls of Old England." When iron took the place 

 of timber in the construction of ships, Chopwell Woods were 

 neglected and ill-used for years, and fell into a bad state. 

 Since the revival of interest in forestry as a national necessity, 

 Armstrong College has been entrusted with their care, and a 

 transformation is being gradually effected. A working system 

 has been arranged, and the whole area divided into sections, 

 so that a portion is to be dealt with and planted annually. 

 Hence there will be, when the timber arrives at maturity, a 

 regular supply for the local market each year. Each section 

 is being planted with young trees, either pure of one species, 

 or with a mixture of two or more species. The choice is based 

 on the soil, moisture, and exposure of each plot. Various 

 exotic species of trees are being tested as to their adaptability 

 for local climatic and other conditions. In a sheltered clearing 

 in the wood are situated the forest nursery, residences for the 

 chief officials, class-rooms, museum and laboratory for the 

 students. In the museum are specimens of timber, pieces of 



