C— lb

26

stops to remedy the more unsatisfactory portions are being taken by replanting with fast-growing pines able to develop under the adverse conditions. It is not possible to even record the immunity from wind-damage by the hardy Pinus Laricio or P. radiata, although both species retain a healthy appearance, and have generally made good vertical progress. On the lower levels Picea excelsa are thriving ; but with the gradual ascent the growth becomes less robust. The wisdom of ceasing operating with this comparatively slow-growing tree is now apparent, although in the early stages a belief was harboured that on becoming established the spruces would respond to the favourable conditions and become an important variety in our general afforestation scheme. Perhaps the result, accruing from a trial planting of mossed seedling Pinus radiata has been the most pleasing feature of the year's operations at this station, and this idea will be extended during the coming year. Although a fair measure of success is attained from permanently planting one-year-old Pinus radiata that have been temporarily lined-in, the mossing system can undoubtedly be applied to the Remarkable pine with less risk of eventuating failures. Perhaps throughout the planted area progress is slightly less than that previously recorded, and other remarks outlined in last year's report, can also rightly be applied this season. Tree-planting.-—Oi the 660,169 scheduled trees, some 505,050 wore used in extending the plantation by 192 acres, whilst 155,119 trees, principally Pinus radiata and P. Laricio, were used to replace failures. Planting at 4 ft. apart by contract labour worked out at lis. per thousand ; but in operating at a wider spacing-distance—6 ft.—the cost exceeded that, figure by 3s. per thousand. The arrangement of undertaking both the preparation of pits and subsequent planting by contract, labour continues to give satisfaction in operating upon new areas ; but where replanting is being conducted a greater difficulty experienced in arriving at a reasonable contract price at times necessitates the reversion to the day-labour practice. General. —All fire-breaks received their annual cultivation, the area being dealt, with amounting to slightly over 103 acres. The sheep-grazing proposition, now past the experimental stage, was extended, and an additional seventy-six full-mouthed ewes were secured to (in conjunction, with the small flock of sheep) keep down coarse herbage on fire-lines. No damage to trees from either deer or rabbits has come under notice, although it not infrequently happens that stalking has to be resorted to in order to clear the reserve of the former pest. Several improvements to buildings were effected, and tho usual tree-growing and maintenance-work undertaken, as outlined in previous annual reports. A sum of £2,439 13s. 6d. was spent during the year, which advances the total expenditure to date to £28,384 10s. 6d.

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

H. Howe, Plantation Foreman. Dusky Hill Plantation, Otago. (Area, 845 acres ; altitude, 400 ft. to 800 ft. ; commenced operations, 1898.) Remarks previously made in refereuce to this plantation might again be rightly applied. It is, however, very satisfactory to find a healthier tone prevailing over the larch blocks; and given another favourable season for tree-growth, it is anticipated that quite a large proportion of the previously affected trees will have regained their normal appearance. On the higher levels, however, the wind caused much damage to the Douglas fir and Sitka spruce, whose leaders were with few exceptions broken off at the critical growing-stage, notwithstanding partial shelter from adjacent pines. The trial having now extended over fourteen years, it has been decided to replant the small acreage with pines, and should the spruces respond to the altered conditions every opportunity,, will be afforded,

Month. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Numbo] . rf Days Frosts Maximum. Minimum. occurred. 1914. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. In. .. , 406 1-37 .. | 3-56 2-03 2-20 2-89 2-14 .. ! 3-60 .. : 4-14 17 8 16 16 12 15 10 19 18 Deg. F. Deg. F. 66 28 6 60 25 20 58 • 28 13 64 24 21 64 26 19 72 26 12 72 30 4 72 30 5 86 32 5 1915. 11 15 12 January February March .. ! 3-25 .. i 3-79 .. i 2-59 80 36 82 34 76 32 5 Totals 35-62 169 110