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27

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School Forestry. Excellent co-operation has been given by the Education Department in connection with the scheme for affording the children of the. primary schools an opportunity to acquire an elementary knowledge of tree-planting and forestry matters generally, and a series of articles on various aspects of forestry will appear from time to time in the School Journal. Proposals for 1928-29. 1. The establishment of 8,550 a.cres of new forests, of which 350 acres will be by direct'sowing. 2. A reconnaissance survey of the indigenous forested land surrounding the headwaters of the Hope Hurunui and Waiau Rivers. WESTIAND REGION. Nursery. The nursery is now on a sound working-basis, and 528,800 trees were raised during the period under review from 329 lb. of seed at a cost of 15s. per 1,000. Weeding is still the heaviest cost, and from November till the middle of January constant attention is necessary to combat this nuisance. The best results were obtained from September sowing, but owing to the uncertain climatic conditions this may not hold good next season, as in 1926-27 late August sowing was the best. Experiments with green-manuring, lupins, oats, tares, and mustard-seed have greatly improved soil conditions, the lupin crop giving best results. Experiment Station. With various species of exotic trees experimental planting was continued, and on 400 acres 257,500 trees were established at a much lower cost than in previous years. The reduction is accounted for by the employment of more experienced workmen on dry easily-worked ground. Blanking on 200 acres was necessary, and 102,400 trees were utilized for the work. A record dry summer was experienced, with a dangerous fire risk, and in spite of unceasing diligence a fire reached portion of the plantation, but fortunately was extinguished with little damage. It is anticipated that some 20 acres of dredge tailings will be available for planting next year. The 1926-27 planting of Pinus laricio and Pinus ponderosa is growing slowly, while the Douglas fir is making good growth. It is as yet somewhat early to judge the ultimate result of this experimental planting. Arboretum. A 3-acre portion of the new arboretum area was planted with fourteen species of trees. A good strike resulted. Proposals for 1928-29. t. Establishment of new she!tor-breaks. 3. Planting 2 acres of arboretum area. 3. Planting 200 acres new a.rea and reblocking previous year's planting. 4. Line-cutting 500 acres. 5. Establishment of new fire-breaks. SOUTHLAND REGION. Although as yet no definite area has been set aside in this region as a forestation project, 124 acres of cut-over land in Longwood State Forest were planted with 68,900 trees, comprising six species. Planting-work was undertaken in August and. completed in September. A small wooden hut, 10 ft. by 14 ft., was erected for a control and tool depot. Further experimental planting by spot-sowing on a total area of 50 acres of cut-over and burned-over land in Waikaia and Longwood was carried out. Sample Plots. The various sample plots sown in September, 1927, were inspected six months later, and results carefully recorded for future use. So far the strike generally has been very satisfactory.

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