274 International Agricultural Institute, [july, 



i 8 gauge, stiffened by means of a galvanised seven-strand 

 wire No. 8 gauge, and supported upon angle iron standards 

 9 ft. apart, and with straining pillars 120 ft. apart. The wire 

 netting is sunk into the ground for a depth of 6 inches. 



The presence of the high Devonshire hedges affords great 

 protection from the wind, and where this protection is not 

 available the plantations are edged with Scotch Pines, which 

 materially shelter the Larch. The protection afforded by the 

 hedges is most clearly shown, and the height of the trees 

 decreases in a marked degree as the distance from the hedges 

 increases. The elevation of the plantation is 800-900 ft., and 

 the best results have been obtained on the slopes sheltered 

 from the N.W. wind. 



The growth of the trees varies considerably, and when a 

 dry spring has come after the planting out, the trees have 

 made little progress during the first year. The number of 

 dead trees has been small, except in one or two instances when 

 rabbits have gained access to the plantations in time of snow. 

 The cost of replacing dead trees is approximately 20s. per 

 1,000 for labour only, but may vary slightly according to the 

 number to be replaced in any plantation. The presence of 

 disease has not been noted in the Larch or Scotch Pine, but 

 the gall-fly has appeared on the Oak trees. 



The number of seedling Larch planted in 1908 was 60,000, 

 and fencing was ready for planting 24 acres of Larch. 



The planting of from 20 to 30 acres annually is apparently 

 contemplated until land which is at present unremunerative 

 is covered. The Town Clerk of Torquay observes in this 

 connection that the Council would like to do more in the 

 direction of planting their land with trees, but are prevented 

 from doing so owing to lack of available funds. 



THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL 

 INSTITUTE. 



The International Agricultural Institute was established 

 at Rome in 1905, and an account of its formation, and of 

 the objects aimed at, appeared in this Journal in June, 1906 

 (p. 129). A Parliamentary Paper has now been issued which 

 supplies information as to the steps which have since been 

 taken in regard to its establishment. This publication con- 



