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that in afforestation operntimis would -ivc tlic iricati'st iM'oinisc of success. 

 As a matter of fact sucli a conclusion is moi-c often incorrect than correct. 

 The region has lost its foi-est tloor witli all its far-reaching influence in 

 maintaining soil fertility, moisture and jiorosity: it has been subjected to 

 the desiccating and coni]ia(tiiig effects of sun and wind: liy drainage its 

 water level may have l>een decidedly lowei-ed : It has lost the protection of 

 adjoining forests and is tlierefore more sensitive to adverse climatic condi- 

 tions such as changes of temperature, wind, etc : many of the trees in the 

 original forest may have heen of species which can only find their normal 

 development and growth rate when sheltered or jiartially slu'ltered. Indeed 

 it is very rarely the case that the original forest can be restored. Its place 

 must he taken by one composed of species adapted to the new conditions. 

 .Tnst what species these new conditi((us indicate it is difficult for the expert 

 to determine; it is entirely beyond solution by the average landowner save 

 through the expensive school of experiment. In afforestation more defi- 

 nitely and vitally than in reinfoi-cement and impro\-emeiit do we find Ihat 

 the imperative need in forestry in Indiana is the tteM expert. 



Incidentally much remains to be done in the way of education. Rela- 

 tively few species are of suthcient econmnic value to promise pi'olitable re- 

 turns. Each of these species has its optimum conditions, each has advan- 

 tages and disadvantages arising fr(mi its silvical proi)erties. Careful studies 

 shcndd be made of these available species and of their reciuii-ements for the 

 most rapid growth and healthiest development. These studies should be 

 supplemented by others which dettnitely locate the areas in the state where 

 these optimum conditions foi' the various species are to be found or if the 

 specific locality is not given, of the type of soil furnishing these conditions. 

 If this were done the landowner in Hancock or Elkhart or Gibson county 

 would have in his possession the data needed for the formidation of a ra- 

 tional management of his wood-lot. The preparation of such a series of 

 studies would take time, but the good accomplished would be innneasur- 

 ahle. The old iiroi)het cried. "The people perish through ignorance." which 

 we may paraphrase to read, "Our forests perish through ignorance." 



Back of all this and in a certain sense fundamental is a classification 

 of the soils of the stati-. Any true conservation demands that every re- 

 source be utilized for its highest vabies. This is as true of soils as of gas 

 or gold. In Indiana ceilain soils give and always will give their highest 

 values in the form of ordinary field crops, or horticulture. Other soils 

 always have and always must yield their highest retvu-n from ti'ee crops. 



