184 
7. Remedial Measures. 
Since our knowledge of the inland drifting sands is so sparse, with such defective 
knowledge, I am afraid our remedial measures must be largely tentative. Having learnt 
the principle of arresting the progress of a coast sand-dune from its source and coping 
with it, we should endeavour, as far as possible, to apply a similar principle to the inland 
ones also. In dealing with the latter, a large area of moving sand may be the source ; 
hence we must modify our tactics, forming a number of more or less parallel lines of 
defence at a comparatively great distance apart, instead of practically one line of defence, 
as with the narrower strips of sand on our coast. 
I think that conservation of vegetation should be our watchword. I would 
subordinate planting to this. An essential condition to success is to keep stock off 
areas which are being conserved or planted, perhaps for a considerable period. Close 
planting is necessary, otherwise weeds and grasses compete unduly with the young 
plants, which can be thinned out as necessity arises. The remarks I have made in regard 
to the utilisation of the native vegetation, when speaking of the coast dunes, I would 
particularly emphasise in speaking of those of the interior. I do not propose to exclude 
exotic plants; but I have no hesitation in saying that the bulk of the work of sand- 
binding in the interior must devolve on Australian indigenous plants. 
(a) Method of Planting.* 
I am aware that, on the ground of expense, methods of -protection against sand 
in Western areas can only be applied for the protection of buildings, gardens, and other 
limited areas of special value. To begin with, one must, in many cases, have a nearly 
smooth surface of sand, and this must be locally protected with a wattle fencef con- 
structed of bundles of any plant rubbish that can be spared, packed on the windward 
side. The surface of the sand must then be protected with branches of any kind, pegged 
down as far as possible. Areas thus protected should each be a few hundred feet long 
and, say, 50 feet broad, the greater length being at right angles to the prevailing wind. 
This protected area should be sown-with seeds of the indigenous vegetation, and, as in 
the case of the coast dunes, the fixation of one area would protect a second area, which 
would be similarly treated, arid so on. 
Where homesteads are in danger of being overwhelmed by sand I would certainly 
try Marram Grass, although its value in localities away from the sea has not been tested. 
The Western sands often contain more or less saline matter, and it is hoped that a good 
test of Marram Grass may be made at no distant date. Better get the grass started 
and acclimatised while the seasons are moderately good, without waiting for the increased 
difficulties inseparable from a spell of drought. 
* In .1 .V..S'. W., I'Vlmiary, 1!HI4 (p. 139), is a translated article "The planting of sandy plains (in Russia) 
.riflinu'." hut ill.- v;iliu- of that article for us is discounted by the fact that, in some of the instances quoted, we 
do not kn-i\v \vlv-t .r inlind areas are referred to, and the botanical names of the plants recommended are not 
: !< inn i rtain. Tin- Sand Willow referred tn i-i Xulix ucutijolia. 
+ Tn upin" this term in Australia. <im> must n-' ember that the term Wattle has the accidental meaning of Acacia 
with us. A wat' ica.h a feme of ihin or split sap 
