408 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



larger and more certain supplies. The fundamental idea of forestrj' is 

 the perpetuation of forests by use. Forest protection is not an end of 

 itself; it is a means to increase and sustain the resources of our country 

 and the industries which depend upon them. The preservation of our 

 forests is an imperative business necessity. We have come to see clearly 

 that whatever destroys the forest, except to make way for agriculture, 

 threatens our well-being." 



In other respects, as well, it is remarkable how many industries are 

 related and dependent upon the forests and, therefore, upon forestry. 

 Lumbering, the fourth great industry of our country, has created for- 

 estry. That fact alone is an acknowledgment of dependenc5% and in it 

 there are signs which those related to or acquainted with the industry 

 can not help but read. Timber is indispensable to mining, manufacturing, 

 raihvay building, transportation and commerce, and even the grazing 

 Industry is closely allied to forestry in that the large ranges good for 

 winter would be worthless without the summer range in the forests. The 

 advent of a timber famine evidently means tlie curtailing of more than 

 one great industry. Therefore it is to be expected that men affected 

 more or less, in a business way are looking ahead and setting new ideas 

 to assure and to perpetuate their industries. 



Forestrj'^, in its briefest definition, is the science of conservative lum- 

 bering. It is the study of the management of the forest by which the 

 owner secures the greatest returns while, at the same time, he protects 

 and perpetuates the younger trees in such a way that he will always have 

 a forest from which he can cut lumber at certain periods of rotation. 

 There is a cool, breezy sound about forestry that suggests Avoods, with 

 flowers; but, be it understood, in its cardinal aim, there is no entry of the 

 aesthetic or the poetic. It is not an apology created for certain men to 

 work in the shade and fragrant breezes of the forest. It is a business 

 proposition which involves more deep thought, keen foresight and stronger 

 physical endurance than are demanded by many other kinds of business. 

 When the lumberman accepts forestry, he accepts a common sense fore- 

 sightodness in regard to his industry. He treats his forest as a crop, and 

 gathers the harvest wlien ripe. Where formerly he ruined and despoiled 

 the young ti'ees in the cutting of the older ones, ho now protects and ma- 

 tures them for future lumbering. He sacriiices present minimum prolits 

 on the small trees for future maximum returns. He takes from the forest, 

 yet he leaves the forest standing. There is no complete deforestation. 



Profession and Schools. — Abroad the profession of forestry is an 

 old and highly respected profession. European nations have devel- 

 oped it as a science to a point far beyond us, but they have been at it 

 hundreds of years. There the forester is as highly honored and respected 

 as the doctor or lawyer. He is answering just as great a calling. Like- 

 wise, the European forestry schools, especially in Germany, are un- 

 equaled. Many students, after taking their training in this country, go 



