662 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



tern for operation can be proposed, extent and method must be governed 

 by the region of counti-y and its conditions. 



It is my purpose, however, to show that the time has come for the 

 most extensive development of forestry and for the preservation of that 

 which we have. 



Profit is the only basis upon which a system of forestry can be car- 

 ried out. Before a man can be induced to plant trees he miist be con- 

 vinced that it will pay. The growing of timber is an investment on much 

 longer time than the growing of any other crop. 



Money is invested which can not yield a return for years. No one 

 will begin an investment unless he feels in the end it will be profitable. 



From the experience of persons who have used sliill and wisdom in 

 the selection of trees, congenial soil and proper management, the results 

 are giving promise of return largely exceeding agricultural crops for the 

 same period of years. 



From statistics, and that is the only way we have of arriving at a 

 conclusion, instances show that a growth of 25 years has been made 

 to reach as high a value as two hundred dollars per acre. Experience, 

 however, proves that timber can be grown for certain uses in much 

 shorter time, and when grown has a high value. 



And while it is shown that the growing of trees is profitable yet it 

 must be carried oi: with judgment and slvill if satisfactory" results are 

 expected; no guess-so probabilities of soil or trees can be taken; no slip- 

 shod methods in culture can be used. The same careful management 

 must prevail in tree growing as in farming. For thirty years planting 

 has been carried on, under diversity of soil, moisture and temperature, 

 with all kinds of trees and by almost every kind of method, but in most 

 cases success. 



The planting of the best species of our native merchantable trees 

 for the double purpose of commerce and protection should be consid- 

 ered. The planting of waste lands in timber must receive the kindest 

 consideration because it is the best use that can be made of that class 

 of laud, but the planting of the best agricultural land in timber would 

 give better profit in proportion as one soil is better than another, not 

 taking into account, however, the protective feature of the premises. 



That oaks, ash, elms, walnuts, hickories, sugars and maples are the 

 most valuable kinds to plant for commercial purposes, and will at the 

 same time perform the function of a storm and windbreak. Most of 

 these species are good medium growth timber, and if planted at the regu- 

 lar distance apart, valuable cuttings may be made for commercial pur- 

 poses in fifteen years, and valuable cuttings may be made each five years 

 thereafter. 



There is no satisfactory data showing just what might be realized 

 per acre from such a planting of hardwood timber, but from the prices 



