Proceedings of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, 1918-1919. 



IPAh November, 1918. 



IRISH WOODS AND FORESTS. 



Illustrated by Lantern Slides. 



By Professor Augustine Henry, M.A., 



Professor of Forestry, Royal College of Science, Dublin. 



Professor Henry, in the course of his address, which was 

 ilhistrated by many beautiful views, described how trees growing 

 on bog-land had been killed by the change of climate which the 

 country had experienced some 3,000 years ago, and how the 

 bog had since grown above their roots to a considerable depth 

 which explained the presence of tree stumps and roots being 

 found twenty or more feet below the bog surface. The lecturer 

 emphasised the very great repressive effect of wind on the growth 

 of trees, and showed how important was the proper selection, 

 not only of sites for tree planting for timber purposes, but the 

 species of trees best suited to resist wind in exposed situations. 

 A brief historical account was given of some of the more famous 

 woods — principally Oak woods — in the North of Ireland, including 

 the historic "derry," which was cut down to build the City of 

 Londonderry. The forests along the Lagan Valley and in the 

 lower Mourne district were also dealt with. In conclusion, the 

 Professor said " the reafforestation of those parts of Ireland 

 which were suitable for the purpose should be approached in a 

 systematic way, otherwise attempts of this kind would be of little 

 practical good." 



At the close a vote of thanks to Professor Henry was passed 

 by acclamation, 



