APPENDIX. 31 



sound land policy therefore demands that the nation should give 

 earnest attention to forest management." 



Because the question is of national importance it demands State 

 consideration. 



If Prof. Fernow's statements are true, then it becomes a matter 

 of the most vital importance to Maine ; to so preserve and care for 

 her forest lands, that they will maintain or even exceed the present 

 yield, and thus become a source of perennial and increased wealth 

 to the State. 



Let us admit for the sake of argument, what is most improbable, 

 that the forests of Maine are in no danger of being deteriorated and 

 will continue to yield the present supply. 



Still there are many phases of the forestry question of interest to 

 the State. Proper forest management would greatly augment the 

 supply and increase the yield. 



The most wasteful methods of cutting and yarding logs are prac- 

 ticed. Trees are cut too high, tops are not utilized, and many small 

 trees are destroyed. 



Our forests are scourged by fire and devastated by insect pests. 

 The State should enact stringent laws to prevent the former, and 

 institute a study of the habits of the latter with a view of checking 

 their ravages. 



The effects of deforestation upon rain fall, river flowage, health, 

 and climate, should be S3'stematically studied, and reliable data col- 

 lected. The aesthetic phase of the question, relating to the planting 

 of trees about our homes, highwaj's, school and public grounds, is 

 also worthy of consideration. 



There are numerous agricultural societies in the State and agri- 

 cultural conventions are common. Tue agricultural interests of the 

 State are headed by a secretary of agriculture whose duty it is to 

 study the problems of the farm and disseminate information to the 

 public. There is a State Pomological Society which holds regular 

 meetings to discuss questions relating to successful fruit culture. 

 Stock breeders hold meetings and manufacturers find it to their inter- 

 ests to assemble in convention. Are the forest interests of the 

 State of so little importance in comparison with general agriculture, 

 fruit culture and manufactures as not to deserve consideration? 

 There should be a State commissioner of forests who woutd study 

 the forestry problems of the State and disseminate information. 

 Statistics tell us that the forest area of Maine is twelve million acres, 



