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off the pest, and are now developing at a much greater rate than in the past. The Pinus radiata having now become established are showing to advantage in even the most elevated positions Seedling pines of this variety do not seem to strike readily, and it has been decided to complete the planting of the area available at this station with about 90,000 two-year-olds. In sheltered positions a growth of from 18 in. to 24 in. has been made by the. Douglas fir ; but nothing like the same, headway characterizes the Picea sitchensis even under the most congenial conditions. Better results have accrued from transplanting of the poplars than in any previous year; but it is wiser to defer an opinion on the probable success of this marginal tree until another year's growth has passed. Another trial with the eucalypts will be necessary to ascertain the possibility of using this hardwood for hill planting : so far the results are not really encouraging. Additional fire protective measures were introduced. The exterior boundary barrier has been widened by chipping tussocks and other coarse vegetation after the consent of the owners or lessees had been obtained. It was necessary to open out a new fire-line on the area most recently operated opon, and carry on the usual horse cultivation-work where through an insufficient number of sheep the grass has reached the seeding stage. The grazing proposition here has proved of inestimable value, in keeping barriers in an effective state. Telephonic communication was installed between my house and the main central buildings on No. 2 block, and this convenience permits work to be conducted with greater facility. Patrol and caretaking duties by employees were faithfully maintained, and it is pleasing to record that no conflagration of any kind has marred the year's operations here. Two small huts were removed to the Pukerau Plantation, and the usual maintenance labour conducted satisfactorily. A sum of £2,148 9s. Bd. was expended in the various works during the year, thus increasing the total expenditure at this station to £30,533 os. 2d.

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

Pukerau Plantation, Otago. (Plantation Foreman, H. Howe ; area, 628 acres ; altitude, from 700 ft. to 1,400 ft. ; commenced operations, 1915.) This area, comprising two untenanted sections of the Conical Hills Estate, is situated about five miles directly west of Conical Hills Plantation, and about midway between Pukerau and Arthurton Railway-stations. The country is of an undulating nature, with an easterly aspect, and eminently suitable for afforestation purposes notwithstanding the prevalence of rocky outcrops on the higher levels. During the past year an insufficient area was available at the Conical Hills enclosure to contain trees locally raised, and a block of about 90 acres here was securely fenced and planted with 111,860 trees outlined in. schedule appended. The extermination of rabbits was a difficult proposition.; but eventually the block was considered sufficiently free from the pest to merit operating upon, although the presence of deep underground runners throughout the whole of the newly acquired area made the complete extinction of rabbits quite impossible, and the results of the coming season's planting will more than likely be influenced by this fact. Contrary to the usual custom, trees were planted at varying distances according to the variety operated and humidity of the position. Generally, however, Pinus Laricio and P. austriaca were spaced at 4 ft. 6 in., P. ponderosa at 5 ft., and Pinus radiata at 6 ft. to 7 ft., and in each case more success resulted than was forecasted from the necessary hurried preparation.

4—C. 3.

Month. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Temperature. Maximum. Minimum. Number of Days Frosts o eurred. 1915. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. In. 1-52 2-09 1-52 1-63 0'19 1-20 3-89 2'74 2-65 16 10 12 II 4 12 15 13 13 Deg. F. 76 64 50 60 62 74 70 80 78 Deg. F. 30 28 22 25 26 26 32 32 34 | 7 18 26 22 22 7 2 2 1916. 1-66 2-72 2-85 15 10 12 88 88 86 January February March 38 39 31 3 Totals 24-66 143 109