128 Committee on Forestry in Ireland. [may, 



of impeded rods of the " small " size. With these 600 bolts, 

 5,000 baskets are made for use on the farm. The average 

 weight of a bolt of peeled rods (in August) is 56 lb. and of a 

 bolt of " small ,s rods 28 lb., the total yield being at the rate of 

 2 tons 7 cwts. per acre. 



The accounts for 1905 showed a net revenue of £15 ys. 8d. 

 per acre. 



For further information as to the cultivation of osiers, 

 reference should be made to Lea.flet No. 36, and to an article in 

 this Journal (April, 1907, p. 47) on osier cultivation in Holland 

 and Belgium. 



The possibility of improving the present condition of 

 forestry in Ireland has been under the consideration of a 

 Departmental Committee, and the Corn- 

 Committee on mittee has now made an exhaustive 

 Forestry in Ireland, report* dealing with existing conditions 

 and recommending the adoption of a 

 national scheme of Afforestation. It is pointed out that a 

 comprehensive scheme of forestry, whether undertaken 

 through local authorities, private owners, or directly through a 

 Forestry Department, can only be carried out by or under the 

 direction of the State. An exceptional opportunity for acquir- 

 ing land suitable for forestry, and not so suitable for any 

 other use, presents itself now in Ireland, in connection with 

 the Land Purchase Acts ; and such a scheme, including the 

 preservation and extension of existing woods, and the creation 

 of a new forest area, would be, the Committee consider, a 

 sound investment for the nation. 



As a result of certain surveys it is estimated that there is 

 available a total possible forest area of at least 1,000,000 

 acres, made up in round numbers of 300,000 acres of existing 

 woodlands ; 200,600 acres of plantable land in large blocks ; 

 and 500,000 acres of plantable land in smaller blocks. 



Legislation is not necessary for the establishment of a 

 Forestry Authority, as the Department of Agriculture is 

 endowed with the necessary legal powers for aiding, improving, 

 and developing forestry, but the Forestry Section of the Depart- 

 ment would need to be strengthened and developed and 



* Report, Cd. 4027. Price, 6hd. Minutes of Evidence, Cd. 4028. Price, 4s. $d. 



