333 



servation of the water supply. Neither can exist without 

 the other. 



Under these circumstances, any radical interference what- 

 soever with any portion of the forest immediately sets in mo- 

 tion a train of events which eventually destroys the whole. 



In other words, it is my firm conviction, based upon fairly 

 close observation extending- over the last thirty-five years, 

 that the forest growth on the water-producing- watersheds of 

 Hawaii must be, as far as possible, absolutely closed to inter- 

 ference, either by man or beast, or the result will be, in spite 

 of all effort to the contrary, a doubly reacting disintegration 

 of the forest, and diminution and final destruction of the area 

 as an economic water-producing source. 



NO'N-WATE,R PRO'DUCING FORESTS. 



In marked contrast to this, as brought out by Mr. Hosmer's 

 report, is the Hawaiian forest which does not cover a water- 

 producing area. 



Here there is no water flow to complicate the question. 



There is not only no water to conserve, but the natural 

 growth of the forest, being more open, does not require the 

 careful protection which the forest growing in a semi-swamp 

 does. The undergrowth is hardier and recovers more easily 

 than it does in the water-soaked section. 



With proper care, the mature trees can be removed, not only 

 without radical damage to the remaining growth, but to the 

 advantage of the younger growth; and by opening up the 

 under vegetation, gives opportunity for seeds to start and 

 saplings to reach the Hg'ht, which otherwise would fail to 

 germinate or die for lack of room. 



It becomes simply a question of intelligent lumbering; the 

 making of the forest a revenue-producer through the medium 

 of lumber instead of through the medium of water. 



The principle involved in both cases is the same, viz: the 

 causing the soil to produce that which will be the most value 

 to mankind. In the water-producing area that which can be 

 produced of most value is water. In the non-water producing 

 forest that which can be produced of most value is timber. 



How to intelligently lumber forests, is a question which has 

 had expert study of a high class in most European countries 

 and to which great attention is now being paid in the United 

 States. There is no mystery about it. It simply consists in 

 intelligent application of common sense to local conditions. 

 This has been done in Europe and is being done in the United 

 States. It has practically never yet been done in Hawaii. 



