T46 ;. y. Kotze 



** forestry, one of the most useful and healthful of human 

 '* occupations. Directed as it is to checking reckless con- 

 *' sumption of the world's supply of timber and to teaching 

 " and encouraging thrifty use and prudent replacement, it 

 *' represents a great work for the common good.'* 



The indirect utility of forests to mankind is not so readily 

 patent as its direct benefits in the shape of timber, fuel, bark and 

 other products, in the provision of a field for employment in their 

 management and working, in supplying the raw material on which 

 so many industries depend, and in the economic development of 

 a country, nevertheless, without entering upon that much debated 

 and controversial topic as to whether forests influence climate, it 

 may be stated it is now generally recognised that they do, when 

 in mass formation, reduce to some extent the temperature of the 

 air and soil, thus rendering a climate more equable, that they 

 increase the relative humidity of the air, assist in reducing evapor 

 ation and tend to increase the precipitation of moisture, and there 

 is no doubt that forest cover, particularly on watersheds and ele- 

 vated situations, is of great value in regulating the run-off and the 

 flow of water, in minimising erosion of soil and in preventng the 

 silting of watercourses. 



Forestry is closely connected with agriculture. The object 

 of both is the same — to make the most profitable use of the soil. 

 The part of agriculture is to supply the country with food; the 

 part of forestry is to supply the country primarily with wood. 

 And for civilised life wood is almost as necessary as food. Their 

 interests do not, moreover, clash as neither of them covets the land 

 which the other uses, the forester being satisfied with land which 

 is of no use to the farmer or only suitable for grazing. 



The production of timber for commercial purposes is a duty 

 for which the State and, to a lesser extent. Corporate Bodies are 

 peculiarly fitted to deal with. The practice of forestry involves 

 a large outlay of capital from which the State and Public Bodies 

 can afford to wait for returns. Another important consideration 

 is that the State enjoys, to all intents and purposes, perpetual ex- 

 istence, and its forestry assets are thus handed down from gener- 



