9 
department to supply the people throughout the country on an extended scale 
with useful ]3uhlications, and seeds and plants for experunent; other means must he 
added by degrees, and, as has happened in America, so we may hope to see this 
sub-department expand in a few yeai’s into a fully developed institution, cherished 
and supported by all classes and sections of the community. 
21. As a remedy for the anomaly of training boys for the sea when most of xho Model f*™ 
them are required on land and for rural pursuits, we would recommend that buildings i>ark“‘° 
be erected at the Model Farm in the Royal Park for as many as can be employed there 
under proper supervision, or at some other more suitable jilace. The advantages of the 
farm ai-e that the land is conveniently divided, and in good condition for the 
growth of crops of any sort. There is also a large garden containing fruit trees and 
vines of many kinds, as well as olives and mulberries, so that tillage and experi- 
ments miglit be commenced without the expense and delay unavoidable v/ith a new 
establishment. On this farm the well-behaved boys from the Nelson might be profit- 
ably occupied, and so initiate a more consistent system of training — the vessel named 
to be used strictly as a reformatory school. 
22. ^ Returning to the timber question, we consider this of such vital importance Forest manage- 
to the mining, industrial, and rural prosperity of the colony, that we strongly recom- 
mend the formation, at an early date, of a Central Forest Board. But the planting 
and care of trees is so intimately connected with the introduction of new industries, 
and should become so much a part of the ordinary farmer’s employment, that 
agriculture, horticulture, and forest management might be advantageously lu’ought 
into close relation under one head, and the business connected with them transacted 
through one Minister. The new industries will bring the two first named into very 
close communion, and, when State niu’series are established, forest trees will have to 
be grown together with the olive, mulberry, sumach, tea, or other jfiants of a horti- 
cultural character. And in connection with the subject of State nursei’ies we would 
recommend that the project of forming one near the Macedon railway station, first 
broached some years since by the Assistant-Commissioner of Lands and Survey, with 
the object of raising useful timber trees for distribution to selectors, and for the 
planting of reserves denuded of indigenous timber, be now carried out, and a com- 
mencement thus made in this direction. The feeling of the rural portion of the 
colonists has been strongly expressed in favor of such nurseries, and they would assist 
materially in promoting the objects of this Commission. 
SAMUEL H. BINDOK. 
GEORGE WARD COLE. 
R. C. HOPE. 
ROBERT RAMSAY. 
J. F. LEVIEN. 
T. M. B. PHILIPPS. 
WILLIAM WITT. 
FERD. VON MUELLER. 
THOS. BLACK. 
JOHN I. BLEASDALE, D.D. 
PAUL DE CASTELLA. 
CLEMENT HODGKINSON. 
R. BROUGH SMYTH. 
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Mr. Hood had sailed for England before this Report rvas ready for signature. 
(: 
N >. 1 
