THE HARVARD FOREST 



By THEODORE WOOLSEY, Jr. 



^^=;'HAT Harvard University is conducting a logging operation is rather a 

 V^J startling statement; it is true however. Owing to the generosity of 

 Mr. John S. Ames, who graduated from the Harvard Forest School of 

 Harvard University with the class of 1909, the Harvard forest was acquired 

 late in 1907. Mr. James W. Brooks, who owned 1800 acres, cooperated by 

 placing a low valuation upon this land. Contiguous owners, with holdings in 

 the aggregate of between 200 and 300 acres, deeded these additional areas so 

 that today the Harvard Forest comprises more than 2000 acres. It was 

 through the courtesy of Mr. Richard T. Fisher, Chairman of the Division 

 of Forestry, that the writer was enabled to visit this tract on January 21st 

 and 22d in order to study the silvical method of treatment. 



According to the OflScial Register of Harvard University, "the forest 

 lies on hilly country at an elevation varying from 800 to 1400 feet above sea 

 level. It is divided into three distinct blocks of (about) 850, 550, and 600 

 acres, which are located respectively northeast, northwest, and southwest of 

 the village."* 



In the words of the OflScial Register *'the primary object in the possession 

 of this forest as part of the equipment of the Division of Forestry, is its use as 

 a field laboratory for the training of students in practical forestry." This 

 forest is particularly valuable as a training ground for students because 

 of the large and varied growing stock and excellent market for practically 

 all species and all kinds of product ; and because of the varied distribution of 

 age classes. This facilitates the practice of intensive forestry. It is within 

 two hours' ride of Cambridge and the offices in the Division of Forestry can 

 therefore direct the administration by weekly visits, when not in residence 

 at Petersham. Mr. Fisher feels that the school tract is the strongest single 

 advantage of a professional school of forestry and the school is conducted 

 at the forest from July 1st to December 1st, and from April 1st to June 10th. 



EQUIPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 



The equipment includes buildings with bedrooms and recitation rooms, 

 suitable storage space, "and complete set of logging and woods tools," a team 

 used in logging, portable buildings for wood crew, etc. 



Such courses as follow can be conducted during the period of field work : 

 identification of species, soil studies, general silvical studies, including mark- 

 ing, planting, and nursery practice, forest management, surveying, engineer- 

 ing, and "forest operations," which include the details of wood management 

 and mill work. 



*Petersham, Mass. 

 244 



