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Pinus radiata. —This crop proved a failure, only 2,000 plants remaining out of total of 6,000 lined o;it. When removed from the seed-beds the plants were very weak, having been under snow for some weeks. The majority of the plants had rotted completely, the weight of snow having pressed them flat on the ground. Only a few were fit for transplanting. Pinus m,uricata. —These plants were also weak from being under the snow for so long a period, some 5,000 deaths occurring among the 20,000 plants lined out. The survivors have made excellent growth, however. Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia. —A fair percentage of loss is noticeable amongst these trees also; the plants have, however, made very good growth. Alnus glutinosa. —These have made remarkably fine growth, the percentage of deaths being practically nil. All the trees are sufficiently well forward for transfer to plantations during the coming season. On the whole, the operation of lining-out was productive of very fair results, considering the adverse conditions under which the work was carried out, the percentage of deaths being not much above that of previous years. A total of 931,400 trees were dealt with, at an average cost of Is. 9d. per thousand. The operation was commenced during the last week in August, and was completed on the 19th of October. Three-year-old Trees. Larix europaea. —These trees were lifted for transfer to plantations during the winter, but as sufficient pits were not available, it was necessary to line them out again. There have been practically no deaths, and the plants have made excellent growth, and are strong and sturdy. The remarks re needle-cast among two-year-olds also apply in this case. Pinus Laricio. —About 170,000 of these were transplanted from the two-year-old seed-beds, and having done very well, though not making such sturdy growth as those planted at one year old; the percentage of deaths could be put down at 1 per cent. The seed was badly mixed with its variety, P. austriaca, as fully 50 per cent, of the break is the latter species. The sorting-out of one variety from another when lifting entails much additional labour, which would be quite unnecessary were pure seed supplied. The whole of this block of trees will be transferred to the plantations during the coming season. P. ponderosa. —This is the finest yet grown at this station, the trees throughout having made remarkably fine and even growth, the whole crop being fit for transfer to plantations. P. Benthamiana. —These have made but poor vertical growth, but are strong and sturdy. P. radiata. —A few of these trees were left over from last season, being too small for transfer to plantations, and were lined out during the spring. The plants are now well grown. P. muricata. —A small number of this variety was also left from last season, the plants being lined out during the spring; they are now strong trees. P. austriaca. —These trees have made very sturdy growth. Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia. —The whole of this variety were lifted for transfer last winter, but the pits not being available, the young plants were again lined out during the spring. The growth made is very satisfactory, and about 12,000 young trees will be available for transfer this winter. Picea sitchensis. —The majority of these have made excellent growth. Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana. —A very sturdy crop, and quite fit for transfer to plantations. Taking the nursery throughout, the average tree-growth is above that of previous years, and the trees have never presented a better or more healthy appearance. It is anticipated that the output for the coming season will be about 1,000,000 trees. The total number of trees in stock on the 31st March was 3,187,100, valued at £5,341 175.; the number of seedlings raised during the year was 1,587,100, valued at £1,608 2s. : making a total of 9,700,975 seedlings raised to date. Trees to the number of 741,090 were transferred to plantations and Domain Boards during the year, details of which are shown on Schedule V. General. Horse-feed. —To provide feed for the teams, about 20 acres was put down in oats during the autumn. The yield of about 20 tons of sheaves was about the average, and should provide sufficient chaff to tide over the winter months. To provide chaff for the ensuing season an area of 20 acres was broken up fot the first time, to lie fallow for the winter months, and will be put down in oats during early spring. The clover and hay crop was a fair one, and will provide ample fodder for use during the winter. The carrot-crop is not up to the average of former years, the roots having made but little growth owing to the dryness of the summer. Buildings and Improvements. —A small wood-shed was attached to the men's quarters at the nursery; for the convenience of storing chaff-sacks, <fee, a substantial bin was constructed in a portion of the shed adjoining the stables. A necessary extension was made to the imple-ment-sheds, and there is now ample accommodation for all implements and vehicles. The concreting of the floors of the implement-shed and workshop was a much-needed improvement. Nursery-formation. —Necessary work in the form of draining low-lying areas, levelling and formation of roads, was carried out. Fencing. —About 40 chains of fencing was erected to enclose an additional horse-paddock. Water-supply. —The existing water-supply continues to give satisfaction at the nursery; the extension of the supply to the stables and dwelling is, however, very desirable. A considerable amount of work was necessary in the way of maintenance, which consisted of repainting buildings and gates, &c, upkeep of harness and implements, general repair works, shoeing, attention to ornamental borders, reshingling roads, and maintenance of general neatness about workshops, stables, and implement-sheds.
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