NOTES 97 



a large body of facts before science was in a position to l)e of assistance. 

 Secondly, tbe number of tree species and combinations of conditions are 

 very small compared with those found in the United States. 



Perhaps one of the strongest reasons is that the intluencc of man has 

 been exerted for such a long period that natural conditi(jns have almost 

 entirely disappeared. This makes it impossible to study the vegetation 

 resulting from the action of natural forces. 



In America the situation is quite dilTerent. France has barel\- a 

 dozen commercial species, while we have over two hundred ; she has no 

 natural forest types, while we have many. Our opportunity and duty 

 are therefore correspondingly greater. We cannot depend upon em- 

 pirical methods because our species and types are so numerous that it 

 would take centuries, as it has taken in France, to develop the necessary 

 methods. Alean while some of our richest types would be lost. We 

 must, therefore, turn to scientific research for the basis of our practice. 

 France makes one realize the vastness of our opportunities for research. 

 We still have large areas of virgin forests and larger areas of second 

 growth of which we know the original growth. It is our privilege as 

 well as our duty to take advantage of the opportunity presented to us 

 to develop research to the point where it will unlock the secret of our 

 natural forests before these forests disappear. With research we can 

 develop our practice rapidly and without wasting our resources. With- 

 out it we grope in the dark, for we have not long experience nor as vet 

 accurate knowledge. I have returned absolutely convinced that Amer- 

 ica can be the foremost country in the world in forest research and in 

 ft) rest wealth. 



Barrinctox Moore. 



PiSGAH National Game Preserve 



The establishment of the Pisgah National Game Preserve of North 

 Carolina is the first concrete case of an area purchased under the Weeks 

 law having been set aside by the President, and its maintenance and the 

 care and control of the fish and game taken over by. National Forest 

 officers. As a preliminary to this step the State had through proper 

 legislative action waived control of and jurisdiction over the game and 

 fish within forests established on the purchased lands. Hereafter hunt- 

 ing and fishing will either be wholly prohibited within this area and the 

 preserve used as a sanctuary in which the game may breed and increase 

 without being disturbed, or there will be established certain seasons in 

 which game and fish may be taken under regulations promulgated bv 



