Under The Microscope

RADIATA PINE GROWERS' MANUAL, by J.P. Maclaren; Forest Research Institute Bulletin No. 184; Rotorua; 140 pages; $60.00

This is an excellent book. I am generally sceptical about a book which professes to be a manual, unless the book is on a very narrow topic. It is very difficult for one author to do justice to a topic covering a broad field. It is also difficult for an author to cover a technical topic in general enough terms for a non-specialist to understand. Maclaren has succeeded admirably.

The book is well organised into 35 logical chapters progressing from "Why invest in forestry?" (Chapter 1) to "Harvesting" (Chapter 25). In between are technical sections on site selection, genetics, site preparation, stocking, etc. The remaining chapters contain useful information on marketing, financing, profitability, and costs and revenues. Information on additional addresses and contacts, a glossary, and an index are also provided.

Each chapter is brief, averaging less than four pages. However, each provides a good overview of its topic, with rule of thumb guidelines and practical tips. In addition, there is a list of further readings at the end of most chapters for those wishing additional information -- a total of 144 such.

My one criticism of the book is of the binding. My copy is coming apart already. It is a pity that such a useful book is pasted together with just an adhesive binding.

FRI reports that the book is a best seller. I'm not surprised. This book should be read by anyone with any sort of interest in radiata pine. It is highly recommended for anyone considering a plantation forestry investment, and it should be a standard reference book for anyone involved in growing or managing this species.

E.M. Bilek is with the University of Canterbury's School of Forestry.