REPORT ON FORESTS. ar3 
peat accumulate. Here and there are dune-like formations on 
which the Scotch-pine has been planted. 
The Scotch-pine is a wonderful tree in respect to its endur- 
ance. It grows in the wet cold bogs and on the dry upland. 
Because of the remarkable endurance of this tree it has been 
planted in our arid West. The plantations are still young, but 
in a thrifty and promising condition. 
Large portions of the heathland of Northwestern Europe is 
called “geest,” which is high and dry, sandy or gravelly land. 
The geest which I have seen is gravelly, compact, and covered 
with a sparse growth of heathplants, and in appearance even 
more bare and sterile than the Plains of South Jersey. In 
general appearance it is not unlike the Plains, and I have no 
doubt but that trees would grow in this region were we to apply 
the same principles of culture which are applied on the geest 
lands of Holland and Germany. 
The heathlands of Europe have been subjected in times past, 
and even in places to-day, to all sorts of abusive practices. They 
have been pastured, or better, overpastured, from time immemo- 
tial, and the top-soil has been many times removed by the peas- 
ants for litter, as in the Belgian Campine. 
The best example of reclamation may be seen at Schovenhorst, 
near Putten, in Holland, on the Schober estate.* I was most 
cordially received by Mr. Schober, and he explained how that 
by thoroughly loosening the soil by deep plowing or spading 
and then applying the proper kind of fertilizer the abuse of 
years could be overcome and pine forests once more established, 
as was evidenced by the beautiful groves consisting of many 
exotic and native conifers which formed an oasis in the midst of a 
desert. ‘There are conifers from almost every corner of the earth 
in healthy condition, forming one of the most remarkable botanic 
gardens I have ever seen, demonstrating well what may be done 
by perseverance and skill even where nature is stingy with her 
gifts. 
Perhaps the largest and wildest of these heathlands is the 
Liineburger Heath.f It is near the city of Hamburg, south of 
the Elbe, in the province of Hanover. The general surface is 
*See ‘ Pinetum Schoberianum,” by G. A. Kuyk, Reprint from Zydschrift voor Tuinbouw. 
See Kultur der Haideflachen. Salfeld. 
