C— 18.

Trees transferred from Nursery to Plantations, &c., 1911-12 —continued.

W. T. Morrison, Nursery Foreman. R. G. Eobinson, Superintending Nurseryman.

Dusky Hill Plantation, Otago. (Area, 845 acres ; altitude, 400 ft. to 800 ft.) It is indeed gratifying to be able to report on the impi'oved appearance generally of trees planted throughout this reserve. The beneficial effect of evenly distributed moisture is most strongly apparent in the larch blocks, where a much more healthy tone prevails than in the previous season. It cannot be contended, however, that a complete restoration from premature leaf-shedding of Larix europaea has yet eventuated; and the present vigilance for any outbreak of disease will be persevered with. Some little damage to walnuts and chestnuts was occasioned by the advent of an unseasonable frost in November, but a good recovery was effected, and these trees have since progressed without further interruptions. The hardwoods, particularly Fraxinus and Quercus pedunculata, have shown their distinct partiality for a wet season, and in many instances their vertical development has exceeded 3 ft. In the earlier stages we were under the impression that Pinus austriaca grew with greater vigour and was otherwise hardier than Pinus Laricio ; but of recent years the latter species has quite outshone the Austrian pine, both in average annual growth (20 in.) and its freedom from the white aphis — Chrenies laricio. Strong winds have again been responsible for slight damage being done to the delicate leaders of Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia. Where occupying sheltered positions over 3 ft. of growth was made, whilst in the more elevated situations the rate of development is reduced to about one-third. Of all varieties operated with here, none from a forester's point of view are so discouraging as the spruces, which, when placed on partially exposed hillsides, rarely increase their height annually by more than 6 in. 6—C. Iβ.

41

Where sent. Name of Tree. Number. Height, in Inches. Value per Thousand. Total Value. Remarks. 'arras Plantation { Pinus muricata insignis Assorted trees (e x p e r i - mental) 2,201 5,001 12 6 10 £ s. d. 3 0 0 15 0 3 0 0 £ s. d. 6 12 0 6 5 0 0 4 2 1 These were used oreate barriers drifting sand. 7( lackenzie County - Larix europaea Pinus Laricio „ ponderosa 7,270 13 1 2 25,000 10,000 15,000 15 10 10 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 75 0 0 30 0 0 45 0 0 Di s tribu ted settlers. ti 50,000 150 0 0 ionical Hills Plantation )usky Hill Plantation !arras Plantation .. lackenzie County.. ielwyn Plantation .. Vuimakariri Plantation lawea Domain Board 'almerston Sanatorium lave Domain Board 'ourists Department, Queenstown mderson's Bay Orphanage jawrence Borough Counoil )cean Beach Domain Board Lcclimatization Society, Clinton Vaiau Domain Board toxburgh Borough Counoil Jromwell Borough Council ialclutha Borough Council lawhiti Domain Board Srighton Improvement Society As per details above 1,467,975 4,412 1 10 13,200 39 12 0 Pinus Laricio muricata 7,270 50,000 5,000 2,900 13 1 2 150 0 0 12 10 0 8 14 0 Assorted trees 579 650 2 4 9 2 12 0 Larix europaea 400 50 1 12 0 0 3 0 Assorted trees 3,200 12 16 0 100 0 8 0 Pinus murioata 1,000 3 0 0 Assorted trees 1,700 6 16 0 Pinus muricata Assorted trees 200 250 0 12 0 10 0 750 3 0 0 „ > * . • 290 13 3 Pinus murioata 650 2 5 6 Assorted trees 300 1 4 0 Totals 1,556,464 |4,674 15 6j