XVIII AUSTRALIAN RECOMMENDATIONS. 
164, American sawmilling machinery and methods are commended to 
notice in connection with the establishment of State sawmills. 
165. The establishment of State timber seasoning works is recommended, 
with a view to extending the utilisation of the less durable indigenous species. 
166. The trial of the Holt caterpillar gasoline tractor is recommended for 
the exploitation of sandy forests like the Pilliga Forest of New South Wales. 
167. The substitution of the white ant-resistant cypress pine for non- 
resistant imported softwoods should be encouraged in all Government contracts , 
so, also, second-class hoop pine and “ tops.” 
168. The extended utilisation of other non-developed species should be 
encouraged by direct Government use, and by Forest Service publicity 
campaigns. 
169. A small experimental sawing and seasoning plant might be attached 
to the Forest Institute in connection with the working of the school forest. 
That forest should be handled as a model area for the guidance of the timber 
industry. 
170. The scientific grading of native timbers should be encouraged. 
GENERAL. 
A tremendous task lies ahead of the budding Australian forestry adminis- 
trations—a task involving patient and determined organisation. It is necessary 
that the difficulties be faced at once. Not everything can be done until larger 
funds and powers are available, but there is much foundational and planning 
work that may be initiated forthwith. A general survey of the foregoing 
suggestions will serve to indicate what can and what cannot be commenced at 
the present time. 
The future of Australian forestry depends very greatly on the steps that 
are taken to-day. No combatant can afford to postpone measures of prepara- 
tion until after the declaration of war. 
The fact that the Australian forest resource is very limited (we have, for 
the equivalent area, less than one-tenth the extent of the Tnited States of 
America forest) makes it essential that we should develop that resource in the 
most intensive fashion, and spare no effort to improve and perpetuate it. 
United States of America, with ten times the Australian forest area, spends 
upon its forestry scheme three times as much as the forests are returning 
at present in revenue. 
The practice of forestry in Europe and America has shown that increased 
expenditure means vastly increased profits. France spends 4s. per acre per 
annum, and gets 7s. 3d. return. Wurtemburg spends 8s. 4d. and gets 27s. 6d. 
It is necessary that we should devote for some years to come a generous 
part of the forest revenue to the rehabilitation of forestry in Australia and 
reinvestment in the forest. business. And every possible means should be 
employed to secure the utmost return for that expenditure. 
