TREE SEEDS FOR THE SEA COAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 8

TREE SEEDS FOR THE SEA COAST.

The Department of Agriculture have issued the following circular :—: — Department of Agriculture, Wellington, N.Z., June 25, 1894. This department has obtained, through tinliberality of the Secretary for Mines and Agriculture, Forest Branch, Sydney, a small quantity of the heed 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 (Casuarina .stricta). — In Australia this tree grows on coast sand and barren places light down to the water's edge, and attains a height of 60ft.

Bavon 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 Ca&uarinas, and is easily 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 lie 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 lft high. Allow 10ft between the trees. John D. Ritchie, Secretary.