SAND DRIFT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 810, 10 February 1910, Page 3

SAND DRIFT.

A letter written by a wellknown Wanganui firm of horticulturists to the Wanganui Harbour Board should be of interest to all dwellers, farmers, and landowners along the sea coast, particularly in sandy areas. The writers, who have had a large experience in experimenting with the trees best suited to withstand sand, salt spray, cutting by flying sand, and the threshing effect of heavy gales, recommend, as a first step, the planting of all drift sand areas with marram grass. This should be followed by planting wind-brakes composed of successive lines parallel with the sea and a yard or two apart. Nearest to the sea the wind-brakes should be toitoi, then a line of flax, taupata, Chatham, Island akeake (olearia traversii), and tararix gallica. In two years this should make an admirable shelter for planting pinus contorta, and piuus austriaca, while pinus muricata is also recommended as a good hearty tree. The writers state that, in their lengthy experience, they have found the above verities and method of planting the best, and their advice carries much interest to people on this coast, where it is a very difficult matter to get trees to grow anywhere near the sea.