FOREST GROWTH IN COUNTIES. (j9 



carefully made in several countries of Europe, determine the proper 

 proportion of permanent wooded surface to the entire area at 20 to 

 40 per cent., varying with the physicial features of the country, 

 and the humidity of the amosphere as affected by neighboring 

 water surfaces. It is proper to remark here, that these estimates 

 are based more on the facts that will be presented under our 

 second view of the subject, than on any calculation that the annual 

 growth of such forests will be equal to a liberal supply of wood 

 and timber for the crowded population of those countries. 



Wo here give it as our opinion, sustained by the best informed 

 minds, that our whole country should have in permanent wooded 

 surface 40 per cent, of its area, and that very generally diflused 

 over the States, to ensure best results. It will thus be seen that 

 Maine, in extensive districts, has already reduced her wooded 

 surface below a just standard. 



But this subject is a National one, and can only be treated to 

 satisfactory results by harmonious concert of action between the 

 several States. 



Among the things that are fundamental to a nation's material 

 growth and prosperity may be named cheap bread, cheap houses, 

 cheap fuel and cheap transportation. 



"A nation which produces the raw material for every species of 

 manufactures and commerce, — whose people provide their own 

 houses,. and raise all they consume, — which can move its people, 

 its products and manufactures, quickly and cheaply, is in a condi- 

 tion to establish the most complete division of labor, and to give 

 to every person the result of his or her abilities, energy and skill. 

 Such a nation must prosper. Its people will save and accumulate 

 from their respective earnings ; and this subject of wood enters 

 largely and constantly into each one of these great departments of 

 industry and living." 



The older portions of our country are now drawing their 

 supplies of lumber from the newer States. The States of Michigan, 

 Wisconsin and Minnesota, are sending their pine, oak, black wal- 

 nut, and other valuable woods to the Atlantic and the Gulf 

 sea-board, in values of tens of millions, for domestic consumption 

 and the supply of foreign nations. France depends very much on 

 the forests of the United States for her ship-timber ; and the 

 timber getters are constantly at work for French agents, cutting 

 down the yellow pines in the south, while in the north white pine 

 deck-plank enough to cover the decks of fifty ships, has been 



