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Details of Three-year-old Trees, sown 1913-14.

Trees transferred from Nursery to Plantations, &c., 1915—16.

Naseby Plantation, Central Otago. (Plantation Foreman, T. O. Screen; area, 2,850 acres; altitude, 2,450 ft.; commenced operations, 1900.) Tho rainfall for the year ending 31st March amounted to 21-20 in., falling on 107 days. This is the lowest rainfall yet recorded at this station. Records extending over a period of five years show an average of 27-51 in, on 125 days. The dry weather had little or no ill effect on the older trees, and a good growth has been established. In trees planted during the last two seasons a check is noticeable, however, the height-growth being lower than usual. The larch, received a rather severe check in December, when 8° of frost was recorded on the 20th. The, pine blocks appear to be healthy and entirely free from disease. Trees to the number of 400,450 were received from the Ranfurly Nursery. Of this total, 357,425 trees were, planted on new area of 150 acres, and 43,025 were used to replace failures in the previous planting. Tree-planting was commenced on the 25th August, and completed on the 15th October, very dry weather being experienced throughout. Owing to the shortage of funds a reduction of expenses was found necessary, and only two employees were retained from the 20th October. After completing 64 chains of permanent fencing, which was then in course of erection, these employees attended to the necessary maintenance-work of the plantation. In February a number of the hands were re-engaged, and, working under the contract system, have prepared sufficient pits for the spring planting. Working in conjunction with the County Engineer and road staff, the horseman and team assisted in grading two and a half miles of road on the southern boundary of the plantation. This will facilitate the future distribution of trees and fencing-material. All fire-breaks have received the annual cultivation, an improvement being effected at the plantation by removing two lines of rowans, and thus widening the fire-break. The total expenditure for the year is £1,218 14s. 2d., and the total to date, £9,939 9s. The area planted for the season is 150 acres, making a total of 1,108 acres to date.

Name of Tree. Number in Nursery-lines. Remarks. Pinus ponderosa ,, austriaca Larix europaea ,, leptolepis Alnus glutinosa 113,000 108,000 79,600 7,000 500 Strong plants. Fair plants. Strong plants. ; ? j; Total 308,100

Where sent. Name of Tree. Number. Nascby Plantation < Pinus Laricio ,, austriaca ,, ponderosa Larix europaea ,, leptolepis Alnus glutinosa Salix viminalis 77,600 96,450 93,375 120,900 5,000 5,525 1,600 Pinus Laricio. . ,, ponderosa Populus fastigiata 400,450 Omarama Plantation r < I 200 200 50 450 Galloway Plantation r i Pinus Laricio „ ponderosa Populus fastigiata 200 200 50 Taieri Lake Domain Farmers Larches and pines Assorted forest trees 450 5,500 1,350 Total 408,700