92 J. H. MAIDEN. 
land, which consisted of shifting sand. The result has been 
that the sand is fixed, and grasses and other vegetation 
have already attached themselves to the soil (so-called), 
completing the fixing process and forming what will be in 
a very short time an excellent sward. 
A similar policy has been followed by Mr. G. R. Cowdery, 
HKngineer for Tramways, in regard to the shifting sands in 
the vicinity of the tramway terminus at Bondi. Here the 
sand filled up streets and obliterated fences, becoming a 
nuisance and an eyesore to the travelling public. Mr. 
Cowdery levelled the sand and top-dressed it with a few 
inches of ashes from the tramway engines. A little Couch 
grass (Cynodon dactylon) was dibbled in here and there, 
and now we have a grassy lawn. Alongside, serving 
excellently for purposes of comparison, we have a neglected 
area, as unsightly as the tramway portion is neat. Further, 
the portion untreated with a layer of ashes is not only 
unsightly but is a nuisance to the adjoining land, as it 
plentifully besprinkles it with sand at every high wind. 
The cinders, ashes, shale, etc., should be spread on the 
surface to a depth, if possible, of 6 inches. 
The element of time.—One of the broad dunes on the 
Landes may be planted according to fixed plans requiring 
30 years for their completion. And asregards the exploita- 
tion of the timber upon it it may be mentioned that the 
rotation at the Forest of La Teste is 60 years, for example 
that which began in 1890, will only be complete in 1949. 
It is necessary to emphasise these points because we are 
often in a hurry in New South Wales, and some people 
think plantations may be formed in pure sand and produce 
merchantable timber in a space of time that experts know 
to be out of the question. 
c. Maintenance of the vegetation.—It is a common 
human failing that we are often satisfied when we initiate 
