80 



timberland. The annual cut in the State far exceeds the growth. Yet, with 

 this excessive cutting, our present forests furnish only 30% of the timber 

 we consume. It is extremely conservative to place the number of acres of 

 timberland we should have at a million acres. How many acres of tim- 

 berland does the State now own? only 2.000 acres. When the State buys 

 998.000 acres more, we can feel reasonably secure as to our future supply 

 of timber. 



Our forests must be placed under scientific numagement. Our empirical 

 knowledge of forest management must give way to such work as is being 

 done on the Clark County State Forest. Here a study is being made on 

 about 175 acres which is divided into about TH i>lots on which have been 

 planted and are growing" 1.'4 siii'cies of native trees. This study consists of 

 making and recoi'ding observations on the species in the several plots to 

 throw light uiion some of the following problems: Why do not forest 

 trees bear seed every year? Why are the seed more viable some years than 

 others? The best time of year to gather the seed? How to handle and 

 store thein? When to plant the seed? How deep to plant them? What 

 IM'otcctiou the sihmI and seedliiius should have in the nursery? The size 

 of tli(> seedling to 1k' i>lanted? The best time of year to plant? The 

 spacing recpiired l)y each sitccies? Wliat cultivation, if any, the young trees 

 should receive? The control of insects and diseases. Now these problems 

 with others, must be worked out for each species separately, and on 

 different sites, before the forester's definition of forestry can be fulfilled. 



The facts of plant physiology, those of physical and colloidal chemistry 

 and other sciences, must be used to penetrate the unknown of plant be- 

 havior and response. The recent discovery and application of the laws 

 of heredity offer a great opportunity to the forester. By breeding we 

 have seen how quality and quantity have been greatly increased in both 

 plants and animals, and it is reasonable to presume that in time, the for- 

 ester will be able to doul)le the growth rate of trees and greatly improve 

 the quality of the wood. The nuts of the hickory and walnut will be im- 

 proved as much as those of the pecan. 



It is believed that the cry of the people for relief from a timber famine 

 will be heard. The response will come from a Legislature that will know 

 no politics: heed no ]>references or prejudices: and will generously provide 

 for State forests and their scientific management. 



THE DIVISION OF LANDS AND WATERS. 



Chas. G. Saiters. 



Recreation is necessary to the stability and physical welfare of the com- 

 munity. The Lands and Waters Division is seeking to furnish recreation 

 to a large share of the Hoosier public through the estaltlishment of State 

 Parks. Two are now maintained — T\irkey Run in Parke County and Mc- 

 Cormick's Creek Canyon in Owen County. There were 30,500 visitors to 

 Turkey Run during the past season. Accessibility has been a great problem. 



