THE vkar's accomplishments 95 



for forestry classification. The matter of a union for foresters is also 

 receiving attention. Of decided importance to the profession is rhe 

 work being done by representatives of the Society in co-operation with 

 the National Research Council, and by the committee which is advising 

 with the Joint Congressional Committee on the Reclassification of 

 Government Employees. 



Rather close association with the work of the Committee on Admis- 

 sions leads me to believe that we are still splitting hairs on the subject 

 of membership qualifications and that this is due, largely, to the com- 

 plexity and vagueness of our new constitution. In my mind we should 

 endeavor to unite the foresters of the country in a democratic band 

 for the cultivation of professional pride, for the free interchange of 

 ideas, and for the advancement of forest work. I am inclined to think 

 that our constitution is a bit too rigid for a young Society and that a 

 further revision aimed at the simplification of membership qualifica- 

 tions is much needed. 



The organization of local Sections of the Society has been a great 

 step forward. These local branches afford excellent opportunities for 

 the growth of comradeship among foresters and for the discussion and 

 solution of forest problems of peculiar importance to the various 

 regions concerned. Many of the Sections have submitted their own 

 plans for the prevention of forest devastation and in other ways have 

 shown a lively interest in worth-while forest aft'airs. In many instances, 

 moreover, the sectional organizations tend to inject a fresh point of 

 view into the often restricted horizon of official routine. The further 

 revelopment of Sections should be heartily encouraged. 



Comment upon the continued improvement of the Journal of 

 Forestry is superfluous, for its progress is evident to all of us. It 

 has become an organ which both creates and reflects live issues of 

 concern to the forester, while maintaining its high professional stand- 

 ards. The circulation of the Journal should be and will be increased, 

 and I look to see its influence for good greatly enhanced in the im- 

 mediate future. 



My duties as President of the Society have been thoroughly enjoy- 

 able. Opposition has developed from time to time, called forth in 

 part by modes of expression. An attempt was made by a small group 

 of foresters to suppress the report of the Pinchot Committee, an at- 

 tempt to gag free speech which met with well deserved failure. All 

 such opposition has helped immensely to compel attention and draw 

 support for fair play. 



