FOREST POLICY OF PENNSYLVANIA 485 



ceive such intensive operation and re- young growth which is the more preva- 

 generation progressed under more fa- lent. However, it is the intention of the 

 vorable conditions, thus leaving the Department to extend these operations 

 hillsides in better condition in the east- over all state forest land just so speed- 

 ern than in the western part. But now ily as efficient management can be se- 

 since the nurseries are increasing in cured for the continuance of these op- 

 output, it is expected that planting will erations. We agree that it is going to 

 be started on an extensive scale next take a considerable length of time to 

 year, especially in the western and cen- place the management of these lands 

 tral parts of the state. This year about upon a scientific basis, for all depends 

 150,000 seedlings were planted from (i) upon the liberality of the succeed- 

 state nurseries, while the greater bulk ing legislature, and (2) upon the speed 

 of the two-year-old seedlings in the of maturity of advantages afiforded by 

 nurseries at the present time will be nature's processes of growth. But the 

 planted next year. Although white former depends upon the education of 

 pine is planted more extensively than the public to the advantages of this ad- 

 other species, because of its ready vance. and it is encouraging to note the 

 growth under soil and climatic condi- progress in this respect ; the latter bal- 

 tions of the state, thus insuring the per- ances the former in that since appro- 

 petuation of supply of one of the most priations cannot be expected in bulk, 

 valuable woods of this country ; yet the maturity of certain areas to that 

 areas which have qualities peculiar for point where improvement of a certain 

 the growth of other valuable species are kind is necessary gives continuous 

 planted with those particular species, lease of time for succeeding appropria- 

 Thus black walnut is being propagated tions, and the Department has taken 

 quite extensively, as is white ash, yel- that fact into account and has arranged 

 low poplar, and white oak. Catalpa it policies accordingly. 

 catalpa and Catalpa spcciosa have been The idea of ultimate perfection in the 

 tried, but have been found unfavorable ranger system includes the service of 

 to climatic conditions in the state, it be- one ranger to every 5,000-acre tract of 

 ing susceptible to injury by late spring land under state management. To do 

 frosts. this, more funds must be secured for 

 The policy considered second in im- their employment. All appropriations 

 portance to tree-planting by the De- of the legislature of the state are spe- 

 partment is protection, second in im- cific — each item receiving an appropria- 

 portance not because tree-planting is tion which is intended for that particu- 

 more essential to forest betterment than lar purpose ; and in that respect, the 

 protection, but that protection is fairly Department is handicapped with funds 

 well organized while tree-planting is not commensurate with their needs for 

 still in its infancy, thus making it the the different items enumerated. But, 

 paramount question to be solved. Pro- nevertheless, all funds can be and are 

 tection, however, is the largest item of used profitably for their specific pur- 

 expense of the Department, and will be poses, but probably not for the purpose 

 the largest item of appropriation to be which would be of the most advantage, 

 requested of the next legislature. The Rangers are located in regions where 

 building of roads and fire lanes is an fire is the most destructive — namely, 

 expensive operation, particularly over in regions where the growth is most 

 the mountainous contour of western advanced and more valuable. The 

 Pennsylvania, also to a lesser degree in southern and eastern parts of the re- 

 eastern Pennsylvania; notwithstanding, serves receive the most attention in 

 the work is progressing rapidly, the this respect. During seasons when 

 more speedily in the eastern and north- fire is probable, special fire wardens 

 ern parts of the state where alleviation are appointed to work in conjunction 

 from danger is paramount to the well- with the regular rangers. There are 

 being and expected maturity of the at present fifty rangers at work, and 



