25

0.—3

desirable, the trees consequently not making the progress one might expect from ground which has not previously been impoverished by successive cropping. It was very variable in. places, and trees which were planted on the same day and under exactly the same conditions have shown a marked difference in progress. This is most noticeable with Pinus radiata, which have done excellently in one part and only indifferently in another. Pinus ponderosa have made good uniform progress, but P. Laricio suffered rather severely during the dry spell mentioned above, and a fairly large death-rate has resulted. Larch, which was lined in, has made very little growth, but as this species-is not being included in future planting operations the loss is immaterial, except that it reduces the anticipated output considerably. Seed-sowing was commenced on the 28th October under fairly good conditions, but the result, owing to the dry spell, has not been in any way successful. Pinus Laricio, contrary to the usual experience, has germinated very poorly indeed, whilst various other species, such as Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia, Thuja gigantea, Cedrus deod.ara, and Cujrressus formosensis, are quite a failure. The most regrettable failures are those of Pinus radiata and P. muricata. The former was sown in the open without any protecting covering, in a similar manner to last year; but, unlike last 3-ear's experience, has failed utterly. This is mainly attributable to want of an efficient water-supply, and proposals have been put forward for the purchase of an engine and pumping plant for the coming season —a most essential detail if success in future seasons is to be expected. The severity of the climate in this district is such as to warrant every precaution to avert failure through want: of facilities for watering during a season like the one just experienced. A sowing of 10 Hi. of Finns radiata seed was made late in the season, which has given an additional 30,000 seedlings; but it is not anticipated that these will be sufficiently far advanced foi- transplantation, while there is also the danger that they will suffer from frost-lifting during the winter months. An experiment which should prove interesting is being tried with Eucalyptus Maearthuri, but it is too early yet to say whether they will stand the severe frosts of this district. Of the two-year-old seedlings, Pinus Laricio and P. Ponderosa have made the best progress, and these should give good results when lined out next spring, provided climatic conditions prove normal. The probable output of trees to plantations, &C, for the coming season is estimated at present to be between 400,000 and 500,000; but this is a fairly conservative estimate, and it may be possible to increase this number slightly if subsequent growth comes up to expectations, the number above stated having allowed for the elimination of trees which appeared too small at the time of counting. Reference to this will be found in the Naseby Plantation report. The output of trees to plantations and farmers, <&c, amounts respectively to 325,450 and 27,820, thus bringing the total output for the season to 353,270. In spite of the scarcity of labour and reduced staff the various works necessary to keep the nursery in working-order have been carried out satisfactorily, but more surface cultivation would have been an advantage during such a dry season. Small crops of lucerne hay and oats were cut and harvested, which will prove of value as horse-feed during winter. Green manure was ploughed in in several nursery-breaks, which it is intended to utilize for lining-out purposes next season, and this should prove beneficial in providing nitrogen and fibre for the next crops, especially in those breaks in which lucerne has been turned under. All buildings arc in fairly good, order, but require painting, and this will now have to be postponed till next summer. The total expenditure for the year was £973 6s. Id., and the total since initiation amounts to £18,046 6s. Bd. The average number of men employed was 44.

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

3.

Month. Temperature. Rainfall. Number of Days Rain fell. Number of Days Floats occurred. Maximum. Minimum. 191(5. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. In. 1-43 1-76 2-30 1-66 106 1-34 0-74 2-08 0-68 7 9 9 10 8 6 9 16 5 Deg. F 76 66 63 58 61 71 69 76 85 Deg. F. 27 20 22 18 24 27 27 31 36 7 21 14 25 22 16 7 8 1917. 0-73 112 1 31 8 7 7 86 85 81 34 32 28 January February .. March 1 1 Totals 16-21 101 1.17