THE MISSION OF EUCALYPTUS 339 



time indefinite the tree stumps will re- golden state has the monopoly of con- 

 produce and each growth is superior to ditions favorable for the extension of 

 the ones preceding. It is said that the the cultivation of eucalyptus, placing 

 eucalyptus never dies a natural death. her in the enviable position, if she im- 



The eucalypts rival the garden weeds proves them, of supplying the United 

 in their rapidity of growth ; and they States with hardwood — that, too, with- 

 compete favorably with the hardwoods out a long wait of years, 

 in strength, beauty, and texture. For The value of a tree depends on its 

 every purpose for which wood is used, adaptability to the use to which it is 

 the eucalypts meet the demand. They put. Surely, a tree in whose trunk are 

 may serve as forest blankets to cover stored the products which keep a great 

 hills and mountains, to conserve the portion of the industrial world revolv- 

 moisture, to save the soil, to provide ing, has proved its adapability. The 

 warmth and shelter from winds, and, study of the trees made by the national 

 while performing these duties, the trees and state governments has been ex- 

 are becoming invaluable for lumber and tensive, and the reports issued, in favor 

 timber supply. of the eucalyptus industry, have led to 



In spite of the critical and skeptical liberal planting, 



ideas concerning eucalyptus d'ssemi- The maximum period of careful cul- 



nated by those who have not taken the tivation required by the eucalyptus is 



trouble to investigate with a view of two years. After that the tree goes into 



determining the truth or falrity of ex- partnership with itself and stores its 



travagant statements, the fact remains crop values with the owner absent or 



that the eucalypts are the missionaries present. Reasonable judgment in 



that will reforest our country, for the planting is sure to be rewarded with 



current time and for futurity. astonishing profits. The drawbacks 



The state and the nation are awake that usually attend new industrial ven- 

 and rubbing their eves to the possibili- tures are conspicuously absent in the 

 ties of eucalyptus. The value of the cultivation of eucalyptus^ unless at- 

 trees for forest purposes in this coun- tempts are made to grow the trees un- 

 try was practically unknown until re- der exceptionally unfavorable condi- 

 cent years. True to its botanical name, tions. Then toleration and patience are 

 which means "well concealed," the eu- needed to stem a crisis or failure. Un- 

 calyptus has reserved its qualities, it der half-way encouraging conditions, 

 would seem, until a period in which the industry is capable of practical man- 

 they could be fully appreciated by the agement and becomes profitable. The 

 country which they have come to future will see few barren hills or tree- 

 convert, less deserts, for the towering eucalypts, 



Eucalypts grow the most rapidly of with their blue-green foliage, will cover 



any hardwood timber trees in the world, the unsightly and monotonous wastes. 



With only this quality to back them. Exaggerated statements have been 



they are invaluable in use to replenish made concerning the profits to be de- 



the land devastated by forest slaughter, rived from eucalyptus growing. These 



besides acting indirectly as the agents are spread through ignorance, for a 



of good soil, moisture conservers, and brief acquaintance with the tree and its 



exercising a perpetual climatic influence, habits shows any one that it is not nec- 



California has been especially hon- essary to overstate truths that are al- 



ored by this imported tree, for outside most exaggeration in their veracity, 



of its native environment, eucalyptus "By their fruits ye shall know them." 



reaches its fullest and most satisfactory IMillions of these trees not yet planted 



development in this state. For years and others not yet sprouted will be 



she played with this treasure, not know- ready proof of their value inside of ten 



ing that through its cultivation she is years or less. 



likely to become the forestrv angel of To the golden state the culture of the 



the nation. Of all tlie southwest, the eucalyptus means more than its gold 



