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THE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF FORESTRY. 
The University School of Forestry. 
By H. HUGH CORBIN, University, Adelaide. 
In the July number of the Journal of Science and Industry, reference 
is made to one of the very important combinations of science and indus- 
try, namely, forestry. In this reference, it is advocated that there should 
be one centre only of training for the foresters of Australia, and it is 
hinted only one centre, the same centre, for all research and investiga- 
tion, and that it should be situated in the forest. As far as the training 
of many of those to be engaged in the mere routine practice of forestry, 
and not in the more responsible position, there cannot be a better idea 
than that of placing them in a good elementary school of forestry in the 
forest, where most of the instruction is given in the outside forest, and 
where proper equipment for their work in all necessary branches, and 
for their recreation, is amply provided. , 
When, however, the special training of those who are to qualify for 
the most responsible and technical work is considered, this type of school 
would utterly fail in turning out the type of forester and scientist 
most needed. This type of forester numerically must be relatively 
small. 
These young men, who are prepared to devote many years of study 
both to the practical problems of forestry and the intricate science relat- 
ing thereto, cannot be expected to derive the best training in such a place 
centralized in the forest, even if very large sums of money were forth- 
coming, say a quarter of a million, for initial expenditure for buildings, 
laboratory equipment, and dwellings and accommodation, and also about 
£20,000 per annum to provide the necessary highly-qualified staff of 
professors, lecturers, and assistants. To place such an institution in 
the “ bush ” would be condemning the whole personnel to a narrow sphere, 
and the inevitable result. would be cramped intellects, which would 
reveal themselves in many ways quite well known to those who have 
seen such things in other places. 
Surely there cannot be a better centre for the study of the higher 
science of forestry than the institutions specially designed for the train- 
ing of those who study, say, medicine, surgery, biology, agriculture, 
mathematics, engineering, and such like. The argument that all 
forestry must be taught in the forest is very similar to saying that all 
engineering must be taught only in the workshops in a practical way, and 
that the mathematical side of the science, which can only be acquired in 
4 quiet room in a University, is purely theoretical, and, therefore, useless 
to the engineer. 
There is not the least doubt that the quiet study and contemplation 
of the practice of a science, which is done in the lecture room of a Uni- 
versity, is as absolutely essential to those to be burdened later with very: 
heavy responsibility in their profession in connexion with big schemes 
as it 1s for them to work practically in the science and have the problems 
pointed out in the laboratories as well as in the various types of forests 
and woodlands. 
C.17078.—5 433 
