NEW ZEALAND OPINION ON NATURAL REGENERATION, 125 
trees that have come from natural regeneration. The planting is limited 
to the mere introduction of a few valuable species, and the planting of 
some patches of Wattles, at points where there is a risk of grass-fires 
vetting into the bush. There should, in my opinion, have been more 
interplanting in the native bush in South Africa, q 
I] make no apology for treating natural regeneration at some length 
here. It is a difficulty with many, who, comparing the New Zealand 
bush with other types of forest. have come to the conclusion that, apart 
from the Beech forest, natural regeneration is too weak to be depended 
upon for the continuance of the New Zealand. forests. I hope I have 
said enough to show that natural regeneration in the hands of skilled 
foresters cannot be inferior to nature’s work, but should be much better ; 
and, as a matter of fact, is better in just so far as the forest can bear 
the cost of intensive working. The finances of the matter are discussed 
at p. 95, ‘‘ Balance-sheet of a Normal Kauri Forest.’’ 
People have been heard to say that they did not believe in the natural 
regeneration of the New Zealand forest, because with untrained eyes 
they could not see it. They might as logically say they did not believe 
in the law of gravity! If they cannot see the one or the other, they 
can judge by results. 
NEW ZEALAND OPINION ON NATURAL REGENERATION OF KAURI, ETC. 
Campbell-Walker: a Forester —‘‘1 was well pleased to note a fine 
erowth of young Kauri interspersed with Honeysuckle (Knightra excelsa) 
coming up in this forest at Thames wherever fire had not followed in the 
wake of the bushmen,.”’ 
H. J. Matthews: Convincing.—The late Mr. Matthews, Chief Forester, 
has recorded important observations on the natural regeneration of Kauri, 
which seems to have escaped attention. After inspecting various cut-out 
and burnt-out Kauri ‘‘ bushes ’’ visited in connection with the Scenery 
Preservation Commission at Puhipuhi, Waitakerei, and Whangarei he 
reports :— 
T found that wherever cattle had been kept out young Kauris were growing 
in abundance—from seedlings up to trees 6in. and 8in. in diameter, Near 
Cascade Creek, Waitakerei Ranges, I found young Kauris covering the ground as 
thickly as corn in a field. It was evident that large trees had been killed by fires 
many years previously—between twenty-five and thirty, I was informed. The 
largest trees (of the regrowth) measured a foot in diameter, I suggest therefore 
that immediate steps be taken to select recently cut-out Kauri bush areas for the 
purpose of ascertaining whether it is practicable to re-establish forests naturally. 
(Lands Department Yearly Report, 1904-5, p. 74.) 
The last five words of this sentence read lke Galileo’s telescope 
being announced as a new discovery in the year 1917! I quote Mr. Mat- 
thews’s observation because it should be convincing evidence for those who, 
like him, may question the practical use of Kauri natural regeneration. 
After a tour in the great forests of the western coast Mr. Matthews 
reported: ‘* In recently cut-out areas seedlings are appearing in count- 
less numbers, but owing to fire and stock the majority of these perish,”’ 
(Lands Department Yearly Report, 1906.) 
Cheeseman: Opinion of a Scientist.—The author of the ‘‘ New Zea- 
land Flora’ refers thus to the abundant natural regeneration of Kauri 
in an association of small trees often seen in the lower story of the 
Kauri forest—Toru (Persoonia toru), Tawhero (Weinmannia sylvicola), 
the White or large Tea-tree, the New Zealand Sandalwood, Celery-top 
