113

C.—l

Readings of barometer, thermometer, and rain-gauge are taken at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily by the nurseryman in charge, and these should prove valuable for future reference. I have to express my gratification at the excellent work performed by J. Gleeson and A. W. Roberts (nurserymen), who have also rendered the duties of supervision extremely agreeable to me. Other Forest Reserves. An area of 25 acres on Section 3, Block XVII., Maniototo District, has been set apart as a plantation reserve, and is now under crop preparatory to planting. Seventy-five acres of what is known as the " Survey paddock," near Naseby, has been fenced with rabbit-proof netting, and leased at a small rental for cropping purposes during the next two seasons, when the young trees will be fit for permanent planting. It is also proposed to fence a portion of Gimmerburn Forest Reserve at an early date, and tenders will be called for the right to crop the enclosure for two seasons previous to planting. I need scarcely point out that, in leasing these areas for cropping, the cost of preparing the ground is not only saved, but a rental varying from Is. to 2s. 6d. per acre is obtained for the privilege. Tapanui District. —l have inspected and reported on certain lands in this district, with a view to the establishment of a nursery and the reservation of plantation areas. About 20 acres of firstclass land has been selected for a nursery-site, situate about a mile from Tapanui Township; and a small grazing-run of 800 acres, eight miles north-east of Kelso, has also been set apart for planting. Authority has just been received from head-quarters to proceed with the formation of the Tapanui Nursery. Southland District. —l have inspected and reported on several blocks of land in this district, both for the establishment of a nursery and for permanent plantations. Owing to there being no suitable Crown lands within convenient rail-communication for nursery purposes, I have suggested the purchase of, say, 10 acres at Longburn or Makarewa Junction, both of which places are eminently suitable for the purpose, and they also have railway - sidings running along their boundaries. No authority has yet been received to commence operations in this district. Henry J. Matthews, Forester.

Central State Nursery, Eweburn. [Extract from the Mount [da Chronicle, 6th February, 1897.] During a recent visit to Eweburn a representative of this journal had an opportunity of inspecting this infant nursery founded by the Government in the beginning of October. The project is so full of beneficently potent possibilities for the future of Central Otago that we are sure our readers will be glad of a short description of the progress already made. The nursery reserve consists of 20 acres, situated in the centre of the Eweburn Township Reserve, a block of 740 acres, which, we understand, will shortly be cut up for disposal. The chief reason that determined the selection of this site was its position, which is as nearly as possible in the centre of the Maniototo Plain. This central situation will reduce to a minimum the difficulties of the transport of the trees to their permanent plantations, and at the same time economise the labour of those engaged in the work. It may here be noted that the general plan for the future will be the planting of broad long belts of trees radiating from the centre of the plain towards the surrounding hills. Of course, water-supply, suitability of soil, subsoil, and aspect were also factors in determining the site. The boundary-fence, with substantial posts half a chain apart, and iron standards between, is rendered rabbit-proof by 1-J-in. wire-netting. A laurel hedge has been planted within the boundary-fence, and seems to be thriving excellently, giving promise of great value as shelter for the young trees. On passing through the entrance-gates, which are as neat and light as they are strong, one is at once struck with the surprisingly large amount of solid work that has been accomplished since the first sod was turned a short four months ago. Fencing, ditching, trenching, digging, planting, dam-construction, building, all have been making rapid advance, and about the place there is now an air of order and method as pleasant to see as it is profitable in operation. Nothing necessary for the success of our embryo forest has been omitted so far as foresight and observation can provide. A 6 ft. shelterfence of manuka scrub has been erected to the windward of the seed-beds to prevent damage by the heavy north-west gales. The ground underwent no other preparation for the reception of the seeds than trenching —not even manuring. For the protection of the young plants during the early stages of their growth from the scorching rays of the sun the beds have been provided with Q -shaped arching light iron frames like a half-moon, and extending from end to end of the beds in long rows. Attached to the ridge of each frame is a shade of canvas which can be rolled down or up on each side as weather requires, the canvas being kept rigid when in use by long iron rods inserted, in the lower side of the canvas. Of the frames just described, which are 2 ft. high in the centre, 3 ft. 6 in. in width, and 18 ft. in length, there are at present eighty in use. They contain approxi- i mately half a million young trees apparently in vigorous growth. By far the larger portion of the trees belongs to the Tyrolese variety of the European larch, a tree which has already proved itself, where judiciously planted, eminently suited to this district. As a timber tree, it would be a matter of extreme difficulty to overstate its value. When to this we add its great adaptability to nearly every condition of soil not wet, altitude, diversities of climate, its rapidity of growth and ease of culture, it must be evident that no other tree can be ranked on a par with the larch. Next in quantity is the Corsican pine (Pinus laricio), of which there are about a hundred thousand. This tree is of very rapid upright growth, well suited for planting even in the most exposed and wind-swept situations. A non-fastidious subject as to soil, it furnishes a valuable timber, and is cheaply and easily raised from seed. It may be added that one or two good specimens may be seen just inside the gate of the Anglican Church of this town. Next we come to the beds of the young Austrian pines (Pinus austriaca), another tree that has already been proved, by the fine specimens growing in different parts of the district, to be very well suited to Maniototo. Resembling the Corsican pine in appear15—C. 1.