6 INTRODUCTION. 



twofold object — ]st, Of ascertaining and making generally 

 known the economic resources of the Colony as regards its 

 indigenous vegetable productions, and its fitness for the 

 growth of valuable exotic trees and other plants ; and 2nd, 

 Of perfecting our knowledge of the flora of South Africa, 

 and thus contributing to the advance of botanical science. 



To my report as Colonial Botanist for 1863 was 

 appended a memorandum on the conservation and exten- 

 sion of forests as a means of counteracting disastrous con- 

 sequences following the destruction of bush and herbage 

 by fire. 



By the Legislative Council of the Colony, there was 

 appointed a Special Committee to consider this report. I 

 was called before this Committee to give evidence, and in 

 answer to Q. 95 : Will you give us an idea of the changes 

 you would recommend? I said, amongst other things, 

 " Thirdly, T recommend the procuring. information in regard 

 to the most approved measures of forest economy which 

 are applicable to the management of the forests of this 

 colon}', by commissioning some one acquainted with these 

 forests to visit the Forest Schools of Germany, and, if it 

 be thought advisable, to visit also the forests in other 

 parts of Europe, and report thereafter what is seen, or is 

 suggested by what is seen there, applicable to the man- 

 agement of forests in this country, whether relating to 

 matters connected with private enterprise or Government 

 control.'" 



It is only on the Continent of Europe, and now in 

 India, that the advanced forest science of the day has 

 been applied to the management of extensive indigenous 

 forests, as exist at the Cape of Good Hope, and in others of 

 our colonies and dependencies. I speak from personal 

 knowledge. But in the administration of the woods and 

 forests of England evils have been encountered like unto 

 some which have been encountered in the administration 

 of forests in our colonial possessions, and I have felt the 

 want of some such work as was desiderated by Mr Leeds ; 

 while others who had to do with the administration and 



