CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940 — Page 16

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with experimental work on crops of local importance the aim

being to make the Colony more or less self sufficient in regard

to vegetable foodstuffs. This is followed, in most cases, by

endeavours (i) to improve local stock by the introduction of

good quality male animals for crossing with local breeds or

(ii) to improve local breeds by selection. These efforts are

usually followed up by co-operative schemes of various kinds.

In the discharge of these dual functions, Agricultural

Departments have to study, amongst other things, the wider

questions of climate, soils and relationship between forests

and agricultural areas. Of late years, the latter has assumed

very great importance as it is recognised that forests must be

retained on the upper slopes of hillsides for reasons of

conservation of moisture and prevention of soil erosion.

latter results in the loss of plant foods, which are washed

into the valleys and from thence into the sea, a large

proportion being being irrevocably lost. In cases where, in

the past, errors have been made in clearing hillsides and the

removal of forests generally, strenuous efforts are being made

to repair the damage, by re-afforestation programmes of large

proportions. In countries (such as this Colony) where an

original hill forest covering has long been absent, afforestat-

ion programmes are put into operation for the benefit of the

areas generally, but with special reference to conservation of

in darding werck moisture and the requirements,of the agricultural areas. From these statements it follows that the closest co-operation between Forestry and Agricultural policies is essential.

Agricultural Areas There are many types of agricultural land,

but it is necessary only to consider hilly country such as

makes up the greater part of this Colony. The ideal combination

in such country is (i) where the upper slopes of the hills have

a forest covering (ii) where the lower slopes and foothills

are made available for agricultural purposes and (iii) where

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