§ Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that in Continental countries it is the custom for every tree that is felled to plant a fresh one; whether he is aware that the prevailing practice is of planting with an implement which cuts a cylindrical hole in the ground and when the earth comes out with the same tool a seedling or sapling near by is cut out and inserted in the hole which it exactly fits; and whether he will make inquiry and have this method introduced into Ireland, and also the American annual Arbor Day?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture inform me that they are not aware of the prevalence in other countries of any general custom with regard to replanting such as is mentioned in the question. The 1335W number of trees which it is necessary to plant in order to maintain woodlands varies with the nature of the system adopted. The method of planting with a cylindrical spade has been practised at the Department's forestry areas for some years past wherever it was considered suitable, but the method of planting must, of course, vary with the nature of the ground. There is no power to enforce the celebration of an annual Arbor Day. An Arbor Day has, however, been celebrated in Ireland to some extent during the past ten years, and the Department have given assistance and support to the voluntary efforts made for its establishment.