27

a—B

entirely free from frosts, and it will readily be understood that larch, which is most susceptible to damage by late frosts, has a severe struggle until it reaches a height of from 3 ft. to 4 ft. above ground. The fencing of the remainder of the boundary—l.2o chains—was completed, the whole of the area being now entirely enclosed. Some divisional fences still remain intact in order that the rabbit pest may be more readily kept in check. Rabbits have been responsible for a good deal of damage, the constant efforts made to eradicate them having been only partially successful. It is anticipated that an area of approximately 130 acres will be planted next spring. The daily average number of men employed was 3. Summary showing Area of Naseby Plantation (1,8221, Acres in Trees). How occupied. Acres. Pines ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,519 Larch ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 271 Pines and larch mixture ... ... ... ... ... 23 Miscellaneous trees ... ... ... ... ... ... 9J Fire-breaks, tracks, roads, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 150 Unplanted land ... ... ... ... ... ••■ 503 \ Unsuitable for planting, including water-race, creeks, residence reserve, &c. ... ... ... ... ■•• ■■■ 374 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,850 (Survey incomplete; areas approximate.)

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

Gimmerburn Plantation. (Area, 425 acres; altitude, 1,200 ft.; commenced 1903.) The only work, undertaken at this station has been in connection with the growing of horsefeed, which, owing to the dry season experienced, has not proved very successful, the estimated yield of oatsheaf from 30 acres sown being only 22 tons. The wheat grown during the previous year is still in stack, all efforts to induce the owner of a threshing plant to go so far out having proved unavailing. Pigeons and other birds are doing a considerable amount of damage to the stacks, and in order to prevent the total loss of the crop it will probably be necessary to cart the whole'of it to Ranfurly Nursery, where there would be a possibility of getting it threshed. The past year's experience further proves the uncertainty which attends cropping in this district, and, as the expense is somewhat heavy owing to the distance between the plantation and nursery, it is very doubtful if the growing of horse-feed here is a payable proposition. The past season has not been favourable to tree-growth, and very little improvement in the development of the trees in the reserve can be recorded. No records of the rainfall in this district are available, but the average probably amounts to little more than 14 in. annually, which is insufficient for the healthy growth of forest-trees. Under the circumstances it is not advisable to resume the planting of the reserve. The daily average men employed was 025. Summary showing the Area of Gimmerburn, Plantation, (88 Acres in Trees). How occupied. Acres. Pines ... ■■■ Jj Larch and pine mixture Fire-breaks, roads, &o. ... ... ■•• ••■ ••• '" . Z Unplanted land ... ... ' ■•• ■•■ ••• ••• 328 Total 425

Temperature. Month. Rainfall. | Number of Days Rain fell. Numbor of Days Frosts occurred. Maximum. Minimum. I T 1919. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. 111. 4-98 0-68 1-60 2-24 4-45 3-20 0-80 3-22 2-84 12 6 9 8 13 11 8 11 13 Deg. F. 67 66 55 54 54 61 65 65 82 Deg. F. 23 18 II 18 16 18 23 26 24 10 18 25 28 25 24 15 17 9 1929. 2-21 2-01 0-92 11 9 8 79 90 76 22 30 28 6 1 8 January February March Totals 29-15 119 186