];(» JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



more important, the endorsement and continuation of a given policy by 

 several successive boards or single commissioners or State foresters 

 gives that part of the general program a standing from which it cannot 

 lightly be dislodged. This fixing of a policy reacts beneficially in sev- 

 eral ways. It tends to delay hasty action on the part of new appointees. 

 Even should there be a general overturn of the State forester's staiT, it 

 would be a rash politician who would dare upset ofifhand a policy (for 

 example, the acquisition of State forests) to which, with the approval 

 of the people, the State had been definitely committed over a period of 

 years. In the same connection, the fact that the people of the State 

 generally knew just what the forestry policies were would cause them 

 to be more on their guard should the likelihood of hostility to the 

 State's forest policies seem imminent on the part of a new governor or 

 legislature. 



A third reason is that the portion of the public that is interested in 

 forestry would often be glad, or could easily be induced to give better 

 support to a given program or project if they thoroughly understood 

 its bearing and relation to the fundamental aims of the State's forest 

 work. A clear statement of what those aims were would be accessible 

 to every one were such a publication as that indicated available and 

 readily to be had. 



Especially important is it at this particular time that there should be 

 a clear understanding with regard to all questions of vital interest to 

 the people. Never were men's minds more open to seek wise solutions 

 of problems, social and economic. To the forestry profession, which 

 in America has always stood for a frank discussion of all matters relat- 

 ing to forestry and to conservation, this reconstruction period is a time 

 unusually opportune for re-emphasizing the basic need to the people of 

 forestry and forest work. It is an era in which many things are to be 

 weighed in the balance. State forestry officials have no reason to fear 

 the searchlight. On the contrary, this is the time above all others when 

 the people should be made aware of what forestry means and is. If a 

 State's forestry policy is already well known, it will do no harm to re- 

 affirm it. If it has never been stated succinctly, let the officials of that 

 State respond promptly to the knock of opportunity. It may not be 

 sounded again. 



A fourth and final reason why it is desirable that the forest policy of 

 a State be clearly outlined is because of its bearing on the relation be- 

 tween the State forester and the State forestry association. 



Organized as most of our State forest services are, there are certain 

 kinds of work pertaining to forestry that can better be done by a quasi- 



