THE ARREST OF SAND.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXI, Issue 1043, 20 July 1894, Page 6

THE ARREST OF SAND.

o The Department of Agriculture intimates in a leaflet that it ha 3 obtained, through the liberality of the Secretary for Mines and Agriculture, Forest Branch, Sydney, a small quantity of the seed mentioned below, and it is now ready for distribution, but, as the supply is very limited, it is requested that only those settlers who have land on the coast will apply. Coast She-oak, Salt-.water Swamp-oak, Shingle-oak (Gasuarina stricta). — In Australia this tree grows on coast-sand and barren places right down to the water's edge, and attains a height of 60ft* Baron V. Mueller says, " For arresting the ingress of coast-sand by means of belts of timber this is one of the most important trees. It produces seed early and copiously, like other Oftsuarinas, and is oasily raised." It is a rapid grower, stands exposure well, and is therefore valuable for shelter, and affords a speedy supply of fuel, for which purpose it is excellent. Yields a handsome timber for cabinetware and turnery purposes. Stock of all kinds are very fond of the foliage, which in times of scarcity is a good -'stand-by." It is, however, said to be too sour for ewes rearing lambs. The seed should be sown in boxes, and transplanted into pots, if available, when about 2in. or 3in. high. If pots cannot be procured, then plant in beds, and place in the permanent site when about a foot high. Allow 10ft. between the trees.