56 
The South Australian Naturalist 
grow on poor soils and pay handsomely. Where agricultural op- 
erations are impossible and crops will not grow, forestry is a pro- 
nounced success. In this connection Pinus laricio is bound to 
pla}- an important part in our forestry operations as it will do well 
in poor soils on hilltops, and produce a high grade white deal. 
It was due to the observations and experiments at Kuitpo that 
new crops of tanning bark (from Acacia pycnantha) can be pro- 
duced in two years as compared with 7 years. By cutting the 
tree off at ground level after stripping, new shoots spring up, whidi 
are again ready for the stripper in two yearns. This should prove 
ol immense benefit to wattle growers and to the State in general. 
Wdiere one' stem grew on the original plant several spring up to 
take its place thus doubling or trebling the value of the plant. 
\\ here a strip of scrub land is wanted for putting under forestry 
conditions an area is clear felled, an outside mill does the cut- 
ting, and quite a trade in firewood has sprung up. Contrary to 
tlie general opinion, forestry ojuM-ations bring in a good revenue 
in 10 years, from the thinning out of small trees which (at Kuitpo) 
find a ready sale. By this means the original cost of planting is 
repaid leaving the majority of the trees, which are good sound 
timber, as clear profit to the grower. Small plantations of pines 
or Australian trees will pay handsomely in the lifetime of the 
planter who is not miire than middle-aged. Private enterprise 
can do much to stave off the timber famine which is fast approach- 
ing and will be severely felt in Australia as well as the whole 
world. It is a distinct education to be conducted through the 
forest by Mr. Corbin who has an illimitable supply ol information 
concerning growing trees and Kuitpo forest. 
-o — 
MOILVI' kOKlA' h'ORKS'r. 
/\li tf)vers ol nature should be interested in the efforts of the 
bccnon to have the area muah-west of the summit reserved by 
the g<.)vcnnm'nt as a national park and forest reserve. This land 
is beauliiully' situated and co^xred with a nourishing growth of 
young stringy bark trees. 
Its nearness to the city and its availability by good roads are 
among the many reasons making it a desirable acquisition before 
it is too late, and the land cuit up into building blocks. 
