268 



Afforestation of Catchment Areas, [july, 



Douglas Fir, 131,225; Spruce Fir, 163,100; Silver Fir, 

 20,000; Scotch Pine, 36,500; Corsican Pine, 176,425; Wey- 

 mouth Pine, 39,070; Austrian Pine, 5,200; Oak, 7,600; Ash, 

 2,700; Sycamore, 9>35o; Beech, 105,300; total, 900,070. 



The planting for the year 1908-9 was completed early in 

 May. The area planted was 117 acres, and the number of 

 trees was 326,000 (including the filling of blanks), making 

 a grand total planted since 1904 of 1,226,070. 



The total amount spent on the nurseries and planta- 

 tions at Lake Vyrnwy (including fencing) last year was 

 ,£1,467 155. Sd.y but a considerable amount of this was in- 

 curred in clearing scrub from old abandoned woods and in 

 drainage of peat lands. 



The Rivington reservoirs are situated in Lancashire between 

 the towns of Bolton and Blackburn, and the total area of the 

 gathering ground is 10,000 acres. 



The Corporation decided to commence planting this area 

 in the year 1904, and the work is now proceeding at the rate 

 of between one and two hundred acres per annum. 



The following general statement has been prepared by the 

 Forester (Mr. McBeath) : — 



The land planted on the Rivington watershed is nearly all, 

 in the northern part, in the parishes of Tockholes and With- 

 nell, and extends to 420 acres. This land was formerly 

 let as grazing land. The soil varies from peat to a peaty 

 loam and stiff clay. In places it overlies the Millstone 

 Grit, and varies in depth from a few inches to two feet or 

 more. About 200 acres of these lands form the sides of the 

 Roddlesworth Valley, covering well-drained slopes facing 

 S.W. to W. and N.E. to N. 



About 42 acres of this were pit-planted. Casual labour was 

 employed from the village, and pits were opened by contract 

 at is. 8d. per 100; a few good workmen earned 55. per day, 

 while many others did not earn 2s.; 3,000 pits were opened 

 to the acre, and four-year-old plants, Beech, Qak, Ash, Syca- 

 more, and Spruce, were put in. 



The Spruce was planted along the sides of the plantations 

 next the reservoirs, to prevent leaves from blowing into the 

 water, at a cost of £& 55. per acre, including enclosing and 

 purchase of plants. 



