265 

 BOOK REVIEW. 



Practical Forestry, For Beginners in Forestry, Agricultural 

 Students, Woodland Owners, and Osiers Desiring a General 

 Knowledge of the Nature of the Art, by John Gilford, Assistant 

 Professor of Forestry, Nezv York State College of Forestry, 

 Cornell University. Illustrated. New York. D. Appleton & 

 Company. 



The aim of the author of the above book has been to in- 

 clude those parts of the science and art of forestry, which are 

 of interest and importance to the general reader and begin- 

 ner. In this he has been successful and the subject is re- 

 viewed in an untechnical and popular, yet accurate manner. 

 The book seems well adapted for use, in conjunction with com- 

 mercial and physical geography, as a text book in educational 

 institutions offering a forestry course. 



It is to be regretted that in the past the art of forestry has 

 in many countries not been appreciated at its full significance. 

 It has not generally been understood that in the preservation 

 of forest areas lies one of the most important resources of a 

 country. If properly maintained this resource is a living and 

 perpetual one, of more lasting benefit than that derived from 

 mineral wealth wdiich in tmie must become exhausted. Tlie 

 successful application of the rules of forestry insures to a na- 

 tion the maintenance of many indutsries upon which it depends 

 for its welfare and prosperity. The importance of this is fully 

 shown in Practical Forestry. The introductory chapters are 

 devoted to a definition of the subject and to such technical 

 terms as are necessary to the general reader. The various 

 functions of the forest as an agent in modifying the surface of 

 the earth and in affording a protection to the destructive forces 

 of nature are then dealt with at some length, as is also their im- 

 portance in the formation and improvement of the soil and in 

 the conservation of moisture. 



The second part of the book treats of the creation, preserva- 

 tion and development of forest areas. In this connection the 

 adaptability of certain species to environment is discussed to- 

 gether with their propagation and economic value. 



In part three will perhaps be found the most interesting sec- 

 tion of the book. The descriptions of such forest industries as 



