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Mr. Brunton said:—This country is no doubt, at present, badly off for timber, and it would be a great matter if the Government could do something towards utilizing the extensive forests described by Capt. St. John. The only really available hard wood at present in use is kiaki, and Capt. St. John mentions oak trees as existing in this district, of immense size. We know of oak being found in Yezo, but I have not heard before of its existence on the main island. If it is the true oak, this is an additional and a very powerful reason for some steps boing taken to bring these woods into use. So long as the way to the sea is down hill I hardly think there can be any insurmountable difficulty in getting the timber to the habitations of men.
Professor Ayrton said mention had been made in the paper of the evening of the charcoal burners penetrating far into the forests to obtain the wood. Possibly this would furnish an explanation of the comparative high price of charcoal, which could scarcely be found either in the coat of the burning or in the value of the wood, and therefore must be sought for in the difficulty of transport. In the case of the hard kinds of charcoal, which were much dearer than the soft charcoal, the cause might really be the great difference of value of the woods. Although all the Japanese burnt charcoal, the actual consumption really was not as large as it might at first sight appear to be, since, the hibachi being closed at the bottom, the absence of draught made the burning go on very slowly.
Mr. Brunton suggested that as Capt. St. John’s paper was confined to a description of the coast between Oosima and Owasi Bay, a request might be sent to him, along with the note of thanks already agreed to by the Meeting, to furnish another paper describing that part of the coast between Owasi and Soba. From his own knowledge he was aware that the harbour of Mura Goza und Matoya were among the most wonderful natural basins in this part of the world, and as Capt. St. John had most excellent facilities for acquiring information, he was in a position to supply papers of the greatest interest and value.
Six Harry Parkes undertook to convey the request to Captain St. John, and the meeting then terminated.