SAND-DRIFT PROBLEM IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 103 
a. Method of planting.—To begin with, one must, in 
many cases, have a nearly smooth surface of sand, and this 
must be locally protected with a Wattle-fence,* constructed 
of bundles of any plant-rubbish that can be spared, packed 
on the windward side. The surface of the sand must then 
be protected with branches of any kind, pegged down as 
far as possible. Areas thus protected should each be a 
few hundred feet long and say fifty feet broad, the greater 
length being at right angles to the prevailing wind. This 
protected area should be sown with seeds of the indigenous 
vegetation, and, as in the case of the coast dunes, the 
fixation of one area would protect a second area which 
would be similarly treated, and so on. Doubtless State 
aid would be required for this. At all events the State 
would set the example in endeavouring to combat the sand- 
drifts in lands not leased. And, as regards the leasehold 
or freehold areas, no doubt the State would supply the 
necessary skilled supervision to all plantings. 
b. The planting of experimental areas recommended.— 
In order to give my suggestions a trial, certain experi- 
mental areas could be set apart by the Western Land Board. 
In the meantime maps could be prepared of the western 
areas, carefully indicating the shifting sands; then depots 
could be established in various districts, each depdt being 
in touch with an experimental area or group of such areas. 
Each depot should be in charge of a skilled gardener, a 
really good man, and we have many such in this State. 
While he is making his plans for the levelling and sowing 
of the experimental areas, he would carefully collect seeds 
of the different kinds of vegetation found in the district, 
and carefully preserve it as gardeners know how. Then at 
any time judged to be desirable, he could make his sowings. 
1 In using this term in Australia,one must remember that the term 
Wattle has the accidental meaning of Acacia with us. A Wattle fence 
is really a fence of thin or split saplings. 
