NATIVE TIMBER TREES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 264, 8 November 1901, Page 2

NATIVE TIMBER TREES.

Bomb interesting facte on the growth of indigenous trees were stated at tbe Auckland Institute, says the Auckland Eercdd, in pivpers on the subject by Mr E. D. M. Haszird and Mr W. J. Hall. Both papers had reference to an experimental p'antation of native trees planted by Mr H*ll at Parawai, Thames Mr Hall, in his paper, said the di'sruction of native bush was going on so rapidly that it would soon be difficult, if nob impossible, to get some tf ttu rarest species. He had started hi* plantation pinly to disprove tha ilea that native traes are hard to cultivate. His trees bad bien grown under almost natural conditions of cultivation, and were generally less than lfr. in height when planted. One pohutukawa, planted abou*; thirty y< aw ago, was now 45ft high. He (bought it truly to be regretted that more of these fine useful trees had not been planted in tbe Auckland Domain and in the Albert Park. Under favourable conditions and in suitable soil, kauri, totara, puriri, and others made fairly rapid progress and required very little attention, though cultivation and a little bonedust would certainly hasten their growth. Cultivators were apt to think that large specimens would ensure rapid development, whereas the revtree was the result, and it was n-t generally known that the totara, puriri, and others, could be grown from cuttings. Mr Hiszard gave the measurements of several of the trees in Mr Hall's plantation. One kauri planted in 1877 was now 36ft high, girth Ift 10m; another planted in 1878 now 34ft high, He llin in girth; a puriri planted in 1872 now 39ft high; a totara planted in 1873 is now 42ft high. Mr James Stewart, 0.E., who presided, stated that the puriri was bo easi'y grown that he believed fchit it could be grown at a profit.