V11L 
FOREWORD. 
of all practical men. Far from beuq 
addition, a handbook of practical Si 
enduring' value to all who take any in 
Simmonds handles. 
The plantations at Three Kings bear witness to careful research and enthusi¬ 
astic and persistent effort. It is very much to he regretted that they were not all 
placed together in an arboretum, where they could be permanently preserved for 
the instruction of students and for the enjoyment of the public. We understand 
that the subdivision of the property for building purposes will necessitate removal 
of nearly all the large trees. It is not too late, however, to take advantage ot Mr. 
Simmonds’ knowledge by establishing new and more ample plantations in some 
suitable locality within easy reach of the city. . 
The necessity for replacing our rapidly declining stock of native timber trees 
is a matter of vital public urgency. The timber-famine predicted for many years 
past is already upon us; and within the next decade or two, New Zealand, like 
every other country, will be hard pressed to secure timber supplies adequate to its 
needs. Prices will advance while quality declines. The only course that can be 
taken to meet this threatened danger is to plant quick-growing trees. Provision 
is now being made for the production of softwoods in New Zealand on a fairly 
generous scale. But in addition to these, the country will need a large quantity of 
hardwoods for the numerous purposes for which timber capable of standing 
heavy weights or strains or shocks is required. For an adequate supply of 
hardwoods the Dominion must look to successive crops of home-grown Eucalypts. 
The fine qualities of these splendid trees, their rapid growth, and their high 
timber value, render them absolutely indispensable to this country. The climatic 
and topographical conditions that suit them best are all discussed by Mr. Sim¬ 
monds ; and, in addition, his book supplies elaborate instructions for dealing with 
the trees right up from the seedling stage to seasoned timber ready for use. 
We anticipate for this hook very wide appreciation. It comes at a time when 
there is pressing need for information and guidance in tree planting. In smaller 
and larger areas there are lying waste in this country many thousands of acres of 
poorer lands that might be producing valuable crops of timber. Planting is 
deferred or neglected because people do not know what trees to grow or how to 
make them grow. For the Eucalypts especially this book shows the way; but it 
has also a wider message. The author has brought to his task exceptional know¬ 
ledge, ability, industry, and enthusiasm. His work is a contribution of very high 
value to the research and literature destined ere long to give Forestry in New Zea¬ 
land status not only as a science and as an art, but also as a highly profitable 
national enterprise. 
H. HUGH CORBIN, 
B.Sc., London; B.Sc., Edinburgh; B.Sc., Adelaide; 
formerly Lecturer in Forestry, University of Ade¬ 
laide; Consulting Forester to the Government of 
South Australia; Professor of Forestry, Auckland 
University College, N.Z. 
J. P. GROSSMANN, 
M.A., N.Z.; Professor of History; late Professor 
of Economics and Director of School of Commerce, 
Auckland University College; author of “Evils of 
Deforestation.” 
