59

C—3.

FoBMATION OF New FoBESTS. I could not find any of the seed in the Oxford or Alford Forests, neither could I get any reliable information from people in the neighbourhood; but from the fact that masses of young trees, varying from 6 inches to 20 feet, exist wherever openings occur, it is evident that there is seed, and that it grows freely. Both the black and white birch are useful and hardy trees, suitable for building purposes as well as for railway sleepers and fencing; and in the formation of new forests I would suggest that the seed of these trees bo looked after, and, if it be possible to collect it, feel confident it would prove a cheap and expeditious method of raising a fresh crop, as by merely ploughing the proposed new forest ground, and sowing the seed broadcast and thinly, all the trouble and expense of rearing and transplanting could be avoided. Sites fob New Fobests. With regard to the sites for new forests, the plains of Canterbury —180 miles long by about 25 broad —can supply plenty of situations, for, with the exception of a few round the various homesteads, not a single tree enlivens the monotony of the scene. The climatic influences would be more beneficial on the plains than where the present woods exist, especially if planted in large blocks, the country being too exposed for the cultivation of small patches or belts. I believe that the various sorts of English trees would grow there as well as blue-gum ; and it would be politic to have a belt of 300 or 400 yards of native birch surrounding the large tracts. As such large tracts of forest form climates of their own, stringy-bark, as well as other Australian trees, could, I believe, be got to grow in the centres. There is one large reserve near the Waitaki Eailway Station, another between Orari and Eangitata, and a belt along the line of railway for a considerable distance between that and Christchurch. In addition to these, there are large tracts on the plains belonging to the Government, but at present used for sheep runs, which could be used for forest purposes. The sooner the proposed sites are fixed upon and pegged off the better, as portions of these lands are being bought every week. I have, &c, Dunedin, 21st October, 1876. D. Bobeetson.

APPENDIX D. STATEMENT of EXPENDITURE of STATE FORESTS DEPARTMENT from 1st March, 1876, to 31st May, 1877.

Particulars of Expenditure. Amount. ialary, Travelling Allowance, and Expenses, including passage from and to India, of Conservator ... ialary, Travelling Allowance, and Expenses of two Assistant Conservators Clerical Assistance, Office Furniture, and Contingencies £ s. d. 1,661 19 2 454 15 5 152 0 6 Total £2,268 15 1 >' "* Authoril : George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—1877.