A Pore^tr^ Gxpertment station. 



(Special Report of tl)e Superintendent of Forests.) 



To tf)e Commissioners of Fisl)cries, <jame and Forests: 



Gentlemen : In addition to the \-arious reports made from time to time regard- 

 ing the work of the Department, it has occurred to me to call the attention of your 

 honorable Board to the widely extended criticism of the methods of work prevalent 

 among the lumbermen in our forests and the generally expressed wish that some 

 better and more scientific system of forestry might be adopted. This matter has 

 already been the theme of so much comment and discussion that the only excuse for 

 reverting to it here is the opportunity thus provided for some suggestions in the way 

 of legislation which indirectly might lead to a better condition of afTairs. 



In the public meetings of our various forestry associations the remark is too often 

 made that there is no such thing as American forestry. Many speakers and writers 

 in their desire to pose as experts or leaders of thought seem to think the reiteration 

 of this statement necessary. They seek to make a favorable impression b_v decrying 

 or ignoring everything connected with the forest industries of this country. This is 

 unfortunate. It retards progress. Its effect is to further postpone the day of better 

 ideas and methods. 



In America we have forests and forest exploitation ; with them we have American 

 forestry. It may not be the best attainable; but we have it, and on a larger and 

 more remunerative scale than any other country. The revenue may be temporary 

 instead of permanent ; the methods employed may be inferior to those in European 

 forests ; but the fact remains that we have American forests and an American forestry 

 whose product exceeds in value that of our gold, iron and coal mines combined. 

 An}' plan for better methods which overlooks these facts, and is not based on a 

 thorough, technical knowledge of American forestry work as carried on to-day, is not 

 worth consideration b}' those who are most interestetl in the matter. 



The American forester, or lumberman as he is termed, is in no way inferior in 



intelligence or enterprise to his brethren in other industries. In addition to a lifelong 



experience in the forests and in the marketing of its products, many of these men 



have the best education that our colleges and universities can supply. Many of them 



were educated at schools of technology where the practical character of the curriculum 



is equal to that of the forest academies abroad. They are keenly alive to any sugges- 

 328 



