THE HEIGHT OF A TREE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1202, 15 March 1895, Page 6

THE HEIGHT OF A TREE.

There is a very simple way of measuring the height of a tree, \vhich can be practised by any one on a sunny day or in bright moonlight. All the apparatus that is necessary is a straight stick. Draw a circle with n radius (half the diameter) of a little less than the length of the stick. This will be done by holding one end of the stick, say two inches from its end, and moving the other end round, making the circle with a knife or chip. Then place the stick in the ground exactly in the centre of the circle,' perfectly upright, and press it down until the .height of the stick is exactly the same as the radius of the circle. When the end of the shadow of the stick exactly touches the circle, then also theshadow of the tree will beexactly thesame measurement in length as its height. Of course in such a case the sun will be at an exact angle of 45<Uef. Measurements of this cli iracter am he best effected in the summer when the sun is powerful and has reached to a good height in the heavens and when tne trees are clothed with living green so av to. cast

a dense shadow. To many to whom this idea may not have occur.ed it might be made annually a matter of interest thus on warm summer days to take the height of prominent trees and so to compare growth from year to year.

We have received a pamphlet dealing with the prospects of the sugar beet industry in Australia, written by Mr Clement Van de Velde, and published by Maeiardy and Co., Sydney. . ,• r': ! As that portion of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's build-; ing which has been used by the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association for some time will be required by the Company now that the head-quarters have been removed to this city, the Agricultural Association is looking out for new offices. Signor Brogato, the Victorian Government expert in viticulture, whose services were offered to the New Zealand Government for the purpose of reporting upon the best means of encouraging the culture of gi'apes for the production of wine in this country, arrived in Wellington on Sunday, after making a tour of Otago and Canterbury in company with Mr Blackmore,-. Government fruit expert for the South Island. Both gentlemen went on to Nelson on Monday, and on their return will proceed to Napier in company with .Mr Palmer, Government fruit expert for the North Island, and visit Mr Tiffin's vinery there. They will also visit the various other districts of this island. Signor Brogato will in due time furnish the Government with a full report. He is favourably impressed with the suitability for the growth of grapes of many of the districts he visited in the South-island. " ■' J '-\ :