REPORT ON FORESTS. 313 



peat accumulate. Her^ 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- 

 rial, 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 

 Iviineburger 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 Tydschrift voor Tuinbouvj. 

 •fSee Kultur der Haideflachen. Salfeld. 



