(3.-3

22

total number of seedlings raised reaches 3,227,600, and, consisting almost exclusively of pines, must be regarded with much satisfaction. Transplanted Trees. —Some 994,500 trees were lined out, this number being rather lower than that usually dealt with, the reduction being mainly due to having given up the growing of Larix ewropaeu, for which the substitution of Pinus Laricio has not yet compensated for the loss a season or two ago. All lined-out trees have made satisfactory growth, and it is again pleasing to record that there has been no damage done by the grass-grub. The Pinus ponderosa transplanted two years ago have developed into perhaps the finest type of trees over raised locally, and the Pinus Laricio put into lines at the same time have also developed into excellent trees for permanent planting. Several species of eucalypts were experimented with. Almost complete failure was apparent on their removal to lines ; but towards the latter part of the season a large percentage made a good recovery and have since, put on abnormal growth. Some 11,000 Populus deltoides cuttings were made during the winter period and rooted in lines for early removal to plantations. Preparation of Ground. —All vacant nursery breaks were ploughed and sown down with oats in the spring, and, while a considerable amount of crop has been, harvested from these, it is anticipated that the subsequent ploughing-in of the stubble will be beneficial in forming humus and breaking up the soil. Horse-feed. —Some 26 acres of land were sown down in oats, which was harvested under excellent conditions, yielding about 45 tons of well-headed sheaves, part of which will be threshed and the remainder chaffed. The usual amount of rye and clover hay was also cut and stacked, and the horses should be well provided for until the, following season. Miscellaneous. —Owing to the curtailment of expenses and the reduction of staff no new works were undertaken, efforts being confined to the general weeding and maintenance of fences and all necessary repairs, &c. Expenditure for the year amounted to £1,837 Bs. 5d., and it is expected that the output of trees for the coming season will amount to 700,000.

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

Details of One-year-old Trees, sown 1915-16.

Month. Rainfall. i i i Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Number of Days Frosts occurred. Maximum. Minimum. 1915. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. In. 1.92 3-32 2-96 1-91 0'58 1-40 3'82 4-29 2-64 20 13 11 12 6 12 15 15 II Deg. F. 75 63 55 61 62 75 76 82 78 Deg. F. 27 24 22 23 25 23 28 30 35 7 15 26 17 16 7 3 3 H» 1916. 3-05 2.67 3-15 20 12 13 89 87 85 34 36 3i January February March 2 Totals 31-71 163 69

Pinus Laricio ,, ponderosa ,, radiata ,, muricata ,, Banksiana ,, pinaster ,, Taeda Larix leptolepis Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia Cupressus macrocarpa Name of Tree. Number in Seeit beds. 1,950,000 80,000 700,000 50,000 25,000 8,000 600 300,000 60,000 10,000 Amount „ , t <-, , Remarks. Of Seed sown. ~Lb. 125 Well-grown plants. 65 Strong plants ; poor germination. 105 Excellent crop. 8 Strong plants. 2 3 1 12 | Germinated well. 5 ,, evenly. 2£ Fair. Oz. 2 4 Good results. 4 Thuja gigantea Eucalyptus Macarthuri ,, viminalis 12,000 25,000 7,000 Total 3,227,600