362 
The Priiicijdes of Forcdnj. 
polis. Perhaps tliere is no area in the country which affords 
such pleasure, such invigorating influence, and such intense en- 
joyment to all sorts and conditions of men as the large combined 
area of the London parks. Though sylviculture is seen through 
a veil of smoke and soot, there is still something refreshing in 
the presence of tree life. 
It is a source of regret to many to see how rapidly the fine 
old trees in many of the parks are dying, and it needs no stretch 
of imagination to depict a treeless area at no remote period, if 
vigorous steps are not taken to stay decay. Whether a more 
thorough and general knowledge of forestry would have pre- 
vented what it is now impossible to cure is an open question, 
and depends mainly upon the causes at work. There are 
several probable causes, or more probably it is a combination of 
causes, which have resulted in such widespread mischief. Much 
may be done to reinvigorate those trees which are d3dng, and 
much, too, may be done to prevent a similar result to the newly 
planted trees. If the Board of Works could be induced to 
excavate round some of the moribund trees and to dig into the 
subsoil, and by so doing ascertain the cause, much which is now 
obscure would be made plain ; and having found the true reason 
of the decay a cure might be effected, or at least a similar result 
prevented. I have very little doubt myself what the causes really 
are, but this is not the place to give expression to them. 
If a Board of Forestiy existed this would probably form one 
of its functions. With regard to street planting, how little it 
is understood ! Those who plant do not seem to realise the size 
to which the trees will eventually develop. As they are now 
jolanted the day is not far distant when they will form a nuisance 
of no mean magnitude. It is not an uncommon sight to see lime 
and other trees planted within six feet of a window, and on 
footpaths six feet wide. 
However, we look with confidence to the Board of Forestry, 
and to the inculcation of a true knowledge of the principles of 
forestry, to rectify and control these matters. 
How does the Select Committee on Forestry propose to deal 
with this' question ? At what conclusions have they arrived 
from the valuable evidence laid before them ? Their report 
shows that their conclusions are practical, and the proposed 
remedy equally so. To a great extent they have accepted the 
scheme laid down in 1886 by Colonel Pearson and Mr. Rogers. 
Colonel Pearson says : — 
" In order that all societies and public bodies interested in the good 
treatment of the land sliould have an interest in the system of education, 
I think that the general direction and control should rest with a Council or 
