410 BOABD OF AGRICDLTUEL. 



and records, all of which have been elaborately pursued, and the results 

 tabulated for publication, to be distributed upon application to the bureau. 

 The United States appropriates for the prosecution of tliis work annually 

 about three hundred thousand dollars. 



State Policy. — The attitude of the separate State governments 

 has always been in favor of forest protection, but only recently have 

 material steps been taken in the accomplishment of the purpose. In 

 almost every State laws have been enacted for the propagation and pro- 

 tection of the forests. State forest reserves have been established and 

 State Bureaus of Forestry created. This policy of the State has been 

 quickened into fruition by the work of the United States Bureau of 

 Forestry, whose members have had the welfare of the forests and related 

 industries at heart, and there is now a movement being inaugurated to 

 organize the work of tlae State and tlie United States into a uniform 

 system. 



Indiana is making splendid progress in forestry. Both the citizens of 

 the State and the State itself are manifesting a spirit that tells for the 

 future success of the work. The State is maintaining a well organized 

 State department, with lieadquarters at the capitol, and has purchased 

 and is supporting a forestry experimental station of 2,000 acres for the 

 practical demonstration of timber culture for the education of the people 

 in all useful knowledge pertaining thereto. It is the duty of tlae State 

 Forestry Commission to collect, digest and classify information concern- 

 ing timber culture, timber preservation, tree planting and general sylvicul- 

 ture, and to submit plans and advice to the people of the State concerning 

 the same. 



For the brief time (two and one-half years) that forestry, as a State 

 institution, has been in operation, the sentiment and activity of all con- 

 cerned are beyond criticism. As the past history of Indiana's forests is 

 not excelled by that of any other State, we maj^ prophesy that the for- 

 estry interests of Indiana will not be suipassed by that of any other 

 State. No State in the Union has better opportunities for successful for- 

 estry operations, no State has greater industriiil and connnei'rial demands 

 than does our own State. It is one of tlie most internal problems of the 

 day; and we, as patriotic citizens to the welfare of all. should give it 

 lieed. 



PUBLIC DRAINAGE. 



L. ERT SLACK, FKANKI-IN. 



I do not know why the committee selected uie to discuss "Public 

 Drainage," unless they found out that I was part Irish, and knew the 

 difference between a spade and a scoop shovel. I used to blow a bellows 

 in a blacksmith shop, but I confess I am not much of a civil engineer. I 



do not own :\ fai'ui. aiul tlu^ onlv real estate T have to drain is my l)ack 



