LORD SELBORNE'S MOVE 7 



of the rise in prices for this material. Some of these 

 fellings have been distinctly to the good, since they 

 have enabled proprietors to get rid at a profit of poorly 

 grown or wind or snow-broken woods — woods which 

 two years ago would not have paid even the cost of 

 felling and removal of this class of timber {vide PI. 8) ; 

 for it could not compete with the foreign imported 

 product of the same class, but infinitely better grown. 

 But the amount of material so provided has been a 

 mere drop in the ocean of the demand which exists. 

 And we are now exploiting our better-class com- 

 mercial woods. Heavy fellings are now being made 

 in these woods both at the instance of Government 

 and in the interests of wood merchants. A Home 

 Timber Committee has been appointed by Lord Sel- 

 borne. It was a wise move and well timed. But its 

 chief duties at present — its only duty of any import- 

 ance — is connected with the cutting down of such of 

 the woods in this country as have a present com- 

 mercial value. Its reference of appointment was 

 confined to this matter. In spite of the very high 

 rates as compared with pre-war prices now in force, no 

 stipulation was imposed by Government demanding 

 that the woods disposed of in such a lucrative fashion 

 should be at once replanted. There are two points in 

 connection with these home timber fellings which 

 might, without imdue hardship, be insisted upon : («) 

 all woods purchased and felled by Government at the 

 present high rates should be at once replanted by the 

 owner as a condition of contract ; (b) the Home 

 Timber Committee should keep a careful record of the 

 amounts of material cut from the areas they purchase, 

 3 



