178 American Horticultural Society. 



ot" Culit'oniia, made tlio following report as to the condition oi" the 

 work of that i>otlv : 



The hoarci is now engaged upon a forest map of the state of California. This 

 map is l)eing prepared by the engineer of the board. It is founded on an accurate 

 survey with section lines. The timber on each section is marked and described, 

 so that any one by a glance at the map can obtain scientific information as to the 

 forests of the state. Accompanying the map there is a full account of the timber 

 and lumber value of the different trees. Prof. Lemmon and his wife are preparing 

 a scientific and popular account of the forest trees of the state, and with it colored 

 drawings of the foliage, flowers and seeds, with a section of the wood of each tree, 

 so that even those unfamiliar with botany can go into the woods and recognize 

 each tree. The board also has established several experimental stations, where a 

 record will be kept of each tree grown and distributed. Thus planters of trees can 

 act more intelligently than is now the case. The board's special agents, under Mr. 

 Ed. Collins, have been active in attempting to prevent the present robbery, waste 

 and <lestruction of the forests of California. Many cases have been reported to the 

 proper authorities, and a number of arrests of lire-setters have been made. The 

 board regrets the necessity of reporting that, under our i)resent laws and absence 

 of practicable means for managing our forests, no efficient action in protecting the 

 public forests is practicable. 



A lengthy di.scii.s.sion on the subject of forestry ensued, partici- 

 pated in by a nuiuber of gentlemen, all of whom recognized the 

 importance of the theme. In this connection, Mr. Bradbury, of 

 California, introduced the following preamble and resolutions, which 

 were, on motion, referred to the Committee on Forestry : 



Whereas, The natural relations existing between the forests and all the com- 

 plex interests of civilized society are vital and inseparable, and the conservation 

 of the one is a necessary coniiilion of the higher evolution, if not the very exist- 

 ence, of the other, therefore, 



Resolved, That the state, in the exercise of its ultimate powers of eminent do- 

 main, is vested with the constitutional right, and is charged with the correspond- 

 ing duty, to maintain witiiin reasonal)lo limitations a restrictive as well as fostering 

 supervision over timber lands in the hands of private individuals and corporate 

 bodies, as well as those belonging to the public domain. Therefore, further 



Rfunlved, That, in view of the incalculal)le public evils which must result 

 from the rapid deforestation of the whole country now in progress, it is the imper- 

 ative duty of the general and state governments of the United Slates to provide at 

 once, by such legislation as shall fully and seasonably meet the exigencies of the 

 public interests, for the prevention of unnecessary and wanton destruction of all 

 forests, whether under public or private ownership and control. 



