664 BOARB OF AGRICULTURE. 



estimated that each tree will yield one, and a majority of them two posts 

 or ties, and by calculation, we can estimate the profit. Two yeai'S of 

 cultivation and the harvesting, is pro))al)ly all that is necessary by way 

 of labor, and the expense of money need not l)e much. 



The area of profitable tree planting 35 years ago was limited to the 

 plains. It extends now to the Middle West. Since the profit of tree grow- 

 ing has become manifest, people have l)ecome ini))ued with it, and there 

 will be more trees planted in tlie spring of 11K)2 than in any other previous 

 year, but the number of trees planted will fall sliort of tlie necessary 

 requirement. If a million acres of timber should be planted annually 

 the production would not be sufficient to supply the demand. 



The Department of Agriculture of the United States has a regularly 

 established division, known as the Division of Forestry. This division is 

 entitled to credit for the progress of the science and art of forestry. At 

 first, and within the last two years, this division was purely a bureau 

 of information. The work of this division is now chiefly in the field. At. 

 present the work of this division is given to practically assisting land own- 

 ers in economic tree planting, growing ana saving. 



Applications to the division for such assistance will be considered in 

 the order received. After the application has been made and if consid- 

 ered of sufficient importance, the superintendent or a field agent will visit 

 the land and after adequate study of all the conditions and surroundings, 

 will make a planting plan, suited to each particular case, the main pur- 

 pose being to help in the selection of trees, and giving information in 

 regard to planting and handling them. 



The work of this division is free; it costs you nothing. It defrays the 

 expenses of the agent in making the preliminary examination and plans. 

 It does not, however, undertake to furnish trees or seed, or bear in any 

 manner the expense of planting them. 



In the last legislature I was a member of a committee, recommended 

 the bill, and encouraged its passage on the floor of the Senate, establish- 

 ing the Board of Forestry in this State. While the appropi'iatiou pro- 

 vided for in the bill is inadequate to secure satisfactory results, yet it 

 was sufficient for a start, and to create a State Board of Forestry, who 

 were appointed by the Governor and are now doing business, having an 

 office in one of the rooms of the State House at Indianapolis. 



I am informed that this board has replied promptly to every inquiry 

 for information and as far as possible given such assistance as is in its 

 power. It is a question to what extent the State shall act in the appro- 

 priation and keep within the bounds of its relation to the general public. 

 Legislation follows public sentiment and it is of but little value when it 

 precedes it. I am quite sure, however, that an appropriation will be made 

 from time to time to fairly keep pace with the demands of the people. 



