Work of the Forest Service in Nebraska. 61 



■quite probable that the Dismal River Nursery will ultimately become s 

 aiursery for some of the other reserves. 



At this point, let me correct an erroneous idea that through a 

 mis-statement seems to have gained wide credence. We do not grow 

 trees for public distribution, nor do we sell them. We grow them 

 solely for planting on the Government reserves. The Forest Service, 

 however, does offer assistance to private individuals and concerns, and 

 it is our ambition to give every applicant the best service we can, 

 entirely or nearly free of cost. The assistance that the Forest Service 

 offers is entirely of a technical nature, it is not our purpose to spend 

 time or money doing for the individual what he is capable of doing for 

 himself. If a farmer or ranchman within this state, or any other state 

 for that matter, contemplates setting out a plantation and applies to 

 the Forest Service for assistance, his application is placed on file and 

 as soon as we are satisfied that he really means business, an agent is 

 sent to make an examination of the proposed site. If deemed advisable 

 a planting plan is made for the specific tract. Thirty such plans have 

 been made for farmers and ranchmen of this state. A planting plan 

 •consists of a scheme for planting the tract under consideration, recom- 

 mends the planting of such species of trees as we believe are best 

 adapted and most suitable to fulfill the purpose of the plantation. It 

 also includes information as to where the nursery stock may be secured, 

 how to handle and plant the trees, and how to cultivate and care for 



them after they are planted. 



To lumbermen and owners of timbered tracts the Forest Service 

 ■offers similar assistance. Upon application working plans are prepared. 

 A working plan takes up in detail the most advisable methods of 

 ■handling a timbered tract so that it will yield the largest possible net 

 returns and at the same time leave the ground in the highest pro- 

 •ductive condition. The science of Forestry has two definite objects in 

 view, and these objects are prominently emphasized in every working 

 plan. The first is economy in harvesting the present crop of timber, 

 and the second is the protection of the future crop. The Forester 

 always has the future in mind. Economical utilization and perpetuation 

 •of the forests, expresses in one sentence the purpose of the profession. 

 All applications for assistance of any nature or for bulletins publisliel 

 t)y the Forest Service and distributed free of cost, should be addressed 

 to " 'THE FORESTER,' U. S. Forest Service, Washington, D. C." 



Before we can give advice or instruction for planting trees or 

 "handling tracts of timber land we must be thoroughly acquainted with, 

 the country and the conditions under which the work is to be done. To 

 secure this necessary knowledge for our work in Nebraska a party of 



