THE VALUE OF AN ACRE.
Is there any reason why the public should not take a hand ? An acre can be bought and planted—even in England —for a very small sum. In New Zealand I heard it alleged that 125 would, at present prices, produce a crop worth at least 1500 in fifteen years, and if prices rise as they have in the past, twice or three times that sum. The claim rather suggests a South Sea Bubble, though similar prices within a similar interval have been made in England with just one special tree, the cricket-bat willow. But that is rare and its uses special. It is possible that Pinus insignis may rival Salix caerulea alba, and provide not cricket bats but a great imperial insurance. A good many New Zealanders are said to be trying the experiment, and the cult of the tree is spreading into other parts of the Empire. It might serve a useful purpose if such a body as the Empire Marketing Board (whose forest posters have been magnificent) would consider the value of some great co-operative scheme. It would do more service than the excellent tree and arbor days that begin to be celebrated here as in America.
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