216 FORESTRY OF NORWAY. 
‘The foregoing plainly. shows the scarcity of wood in 
Soudmore, the pecple being obliged to import largely. 
Matters have come to such a pass that Government ought 
to interfere to prevent further mischief. To further this 
end I offer the following advice : — 
‘1st.—That all woods attached to clerical or other offices 
should be taken in charge by the Government. Their 
extent is small; but doing this would spread informa- 
tion, and awaken an interest in forest science, especially in 
Nordmore, where the people are intelligent enough to see 
how profitable the forests might be made, { found it very 
encouraging that the farmers voluntarily accompanied me 
to the woods for the sake of instruction, although it was in 
the midst of harvest. They expressed sorrow and wonder 
that the Government had not interfered earlier. 
‘2nd.—The purchase of forests on a great scale by Govern- 
ment would also be a profitable investment, but in Souder- 
more there are some obstacles to this. The land is much 
subdivided and expensive; and the rights of pasturage and 
communism would be an almost insuperable obstacle to 
the purchase of great continuous stretches, It is much to 
be regretted that the Crown lands were sold in this district. 
‘3rd.—All Government employés should be bound to 
assist and instruct the inhabitants in the best modes of 
forest culture. 
‘4th.—Great stretches should be planted. The climate 
and soil are pretty good; shelter at first is all that is 
required ; but here again we are met with the obstacles of 
rights of pasturage and communal privileges. 
‘5th.—Scientific planting and development should be 
steadily carried on. Something has already been done in 
this direction by Storthingsmand Aartlot, and Judge 
Thamb, by a distribution of seed; but with small result, 
except in attracting attention to the subject, which it has 
now done in some measure,’ 
As is the case with this so is it with others of the reports 
from forest officials, they all ring the changes on the same 
