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Schedule 111. — Trees Account. Number, Trees received during year (including 5,000 willow-cuttings) 717,240 Less to replace blanks ... ■•• ■■■ ■•• ••• 52,825 Planted on new area... ... ... ■■■ •■■ ■■■ 664,415 Previously planted ... . . ... ■■■ ••• 4,682,456 Total number planted on 1,964 acres (average age, eight years) .. .5,346,871 Schedule IV. — Property Account. £ s _ d Land (2,668 acres) : Crown land not charged to Forestry Account Buildings ... ... ... ■■■ ■■■ v 750 11 1 Live-stock Improvements ... ' ... ■■■ ••• • ■• •■■ 1,209 10 8 Fencing ■•• 1,316 18 8 Stores in hand ... ... ... ■■■ •■• ■■• 142 17 0 ,£3,419 17 5 Balance-sheet. £ s. d. Total expenditure (prison labour included) ... .. ... 1.8,054 1 4 Less Property Account ... ... ■ ■• ... 3,419 17 5 Cost of operations ... ... ~.. ... ■ ■■ £14,634 3 11 1,964 acres planted (average age, eight years). Estimated value of plantation per acre ... ... ... 1126 A. J. BotdelLj Plantation Foreman. W. G. Morrison, Nurseryman in Charge.
Dqmgree Plantation, Marlborouuh. (Area, 881 acres; altitude, 100 ft.; commenced operations, 1903.) To ascertain the feasibility of converting the unplanted portion of this reserve into a revenueproducing property a visit was made to the plantation in February last, in the company of Ranger Townsend, and the required information duly presented. This opportunity was also availed of to determine the condition of tree-growth generally. While a steady uniform progress in all varieties of trees was noticeable over the level ground, exceedingly vigorous headway is being made by Pinus ponderosa, Pinus Laricio, and Larix europaea on the terraces, where " leaders " from 30 in. to 36 in. are conspicuous. The conditions are evidently also suitable for Pinus strobus, which is progressing at the rate of about 15 in. annually. Amongst the other varieties of succeeding trees may be mentioned Pinus radiata, Pinus muricata, Betula alba, Populus (varieties), and Alnus glutinosa, and in a smaller measure Pseudotsuya taxifoha. It is not contrary to fact to say that the established pines at this abandoned station are increasing their height more rapidly than on any of the South Island plantations. Anticipations of the damage by fire have been realized, although the benefits accruing from the pruning scheme outlined two years ago are now very obvious. The ascertaining of a perfectly incontestible statement of the number of trees existing over the area originally planted would be almost impossible; but, basing calculations on the number planted, and making special allowance for deaths by various causes, the total number of trees living reaches 569,640, as per details on general statement. Constable Williams has evidently fulfilled his promise faithfully to exercise constant watchfulness over the plantation in return for the sheep-grazing privilege, and it is gratifying to know that, although grass fires occurred in the immediate vicinity on several occasions, the young plantation escaped injury from this source. Undoubtedly the presence of sheep on the reserve had the desired effect of restraining cocksfoot-grass growth from reaching the seeding-stage, and thus minimize the danger of any rapid spread of fire should such have gained access to the enclosure. A small expenditure of £5 3s. (being principally devoted to rabbiting) has advanced the actual total expenditure to £10,054 16s. 10d., but by including the value of prison labour this figure is increased by £2,365 14s. 7d., as detailed on supporting statements. •
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