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3. They furnish data for hybridisation observations, whether artificial, or the 
natural processes which go on in the bush e.g., such as have been fully proved in regard 
to the genus Eucalyptus. 
4. They furnish data for ringbarkers, as flowering periods are especially suitable 
for ringbarking operations. The philosophy of ringbarking is dealt with elsewhere. 
Look at the millions of money wasted by the timber-getter and clearer, who 
fell the timber at times when it is in full growth, and thus produce an inferior article, 
or stimulate the formation of suckers, which are the pest of both small and large land- 
owners. 
Another advantage is that a more intelligent interest on any aspect of our 
trees will lead to a greater appreciation of our forest wealth, which will promote its 
conservation. 
5. They furnish data in regard to meteorological conditions, and we want as many 
useful methods of tackling meteorological questions in this climatically difficult 
continent as it is possible to contrive. This has already been referred to, and will be 
touched upon again. 
6. They are important in connection with the collection of native seeds an 
important Australian industry, and one capable of very great development. 
7. The direct educational value for schools, the importance of which it is not 
possible to overrate. This has already been indicated, in speaking of the work carried 
out in Nova Scotian schools. 
8. They indicate proper times for Field Naturalists' excursions to visit specific 
localities. 
9. In fine, the advantage of accustoming people to the -systematic making of 
observations in Natural History cannot be fully ascertained. Under 7 and 8 I would 
recommend that the methods adopted in the Nova Scotian schools be followed and 
expanded systematically, as found necessary. 
10. Sir Joseph Carruthers (Sydney Evening News of 24th November, 1919) 
touches on its agricultural importance in the following words : 
In studying my crops and the time to sow, I have made it a habit to watch the native trees and 
shrubs. They are real tell-tales of the secrets of Nature. If these flower early, then we shall have an 
early spring; if late, then so will the spring be. Acting on the guidance of these " tell-tales," I have 
timed the sowing of my seeds, not only in my garden, but in my fields. I have never been deceived in my 
conclusions. During the last ten years the message of these native trees has been that the spring would 
be late in coming, except in 1917, when an early blossoming foretold the bumper crops of that wet year, 
with its early and long-continued spring. 
The fact has been apparent, that if there be good autumn rains and fair winter rains, then Nature 
will respond with bloom soon after the days have begun to lengthen from 21st. June Rain in abundance 
keeps the cold in check, and is a preventive of frosts. Even where it does not prevent frost, it minimises 
damage, because a plant with full sap suffers less than one with very little of that vital fluid. This 
season, for instance, I observed my lucerne fields, and noticed that wherever the plants had suffered for 
lack of moisture they were badly frost-bitten ; whereas on lower land, under irrigation, the frost had 
practically no effect. 
