21

C—3

J)usky Hill Plantation, Otago. (Area, 845 acres; altitude, 400 ft. to 800 ft. j commenced operations, 1898.) The weather conditions prevailing here during , , the past year were not conducive to the healthy development of trees. A mild winter followed by an unusually dry spring accounted for an early cessation of tree-growth, particularly in larch, which have again prematurely shed their needles. There is no doubt, however, that a steady girth-development is being made by the larch, and notwithstanding contrary opinions expressed iv certain quarters it is evident that at least at this station the larch plantations will prove a fairly remunerative proposition. A fairly uniform progress may be noticed in the various pine, spruce, and oak blocks. The expenditure during the year amounted to £454 4s. 4d., which amount was required for the general maintenance of the plantation, purchase of sheep, &c. The grazing proposition was fairly successful this year, although experience now gained proves that at present the constant feeding-oapacity of the reserve, without providing winter feed, is in the region of a hundred ewes. Much difficulty was experienced in mustering the Hock, but the results attained fully justify the continuation of the scheme.

Acreages of Trees planted.

Tapanui Nuiwefiy, Otago. (Area, 173 acres; altitude, 500 ft. ; established, 1897.) Although an extremely dry summer was experienced and our water-supply completely gave out, the year's tree-raising operations must be regarded as decidedly satisfactory. The rainfall, amounting to 3448 in., was spread over 158 days, whilst the extremes of shade temperature were 88° and 22° F. Baising of Seedlings. —As the nursery was well stocked with seedlings, a comparatively small quantity of seed was operated with in the spring-time; but, as disclosed in the appended schedule, some 1,417,500 young trees resulted, and this number should be quite sufficient to meet anticipated requirements. From 1101b. of seed 600,000 sturdy Pinus radiata were raised, and, as these have been given more growing-space, it is reasonable to expect a better growing percentage when their transplantation is undertaken. Another outstanding crop is the 60,000 CupfSasus rnacrocarpa, which tree is being propagated more extensively now in order to meet the requirements of private planters. For a similar reason the increased growing of poplars is being aimed at, and over 10,000 cuttings of Populus deltoides and P. fasltgiata were rooted with little loss in the undertaking.

A: i a. Name of Tree. Pun.'. Mixed. Pinus Laricio ,, ponderosa ,, radiata ,, ■ austriaca ,, muricata ,, pinaster Larix europaea .. .. ,, leptolepis Picea excelsa ,, sitchensis Acres. 155 21 22| 62* 1 3 7* 233" 11 71* 4| 17 HI 4f 4* 12i B* 8 Acres. Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia Fraxinus excelsior Alnus glutinosa Acer pseudo-platanus Belula alba .. . . . . . . .. Quercus pedunculala, Populus deltoides Quercus pedunculala, Fraxinus excelsior, and Acer pseudo-platanus .. Quercus pedunculala anel Acer pseudo-platanus Pinus ponderosa and /-". austriaca, Pinus austriaca, P. Laricio, and P. ponderosa .. .. ' Pinus Laricio and Quercus pedunculala Pinus ponderosa and Quercus pedunculala Pinus austriaca and Quercus pedunculala £arix europaea, Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia, and .Fraxinus excelsior Pinus austriaca, Quercus pcdunculata, Acer pseudo-platanus, and Fraxinus excelsior Pinus radiata and Picea excelsa Pinus radiata, Quercus pedunculala, and Acer pseudo-platanus Picea excelsa and Fraxinus excelsior 8* .281 4* 12l 6* 11 6 9 11 1 4* 174 Totals ,. 645 | 100f V ,_ 741