716 Forestry Quarterly 



The greatest value of the tree-ferns is their aesthetic value. 

 They are among the crowning glories of Hawaii's beautiful jungle 

 forests. Although seriously decimated and threatened with 

 extinction in recent years, owing to the encroachments of wild 

 goats, cattle, woodchoppers, etc. upon the native forest, there is at 

 present a strong pubHc sentiment demanding the adequate pro- 

 tection of these unique and spectaciilar plants. A bUl has recent 

 passed Congress which provides for the establishment of a national 

 park on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Elilauea, and including a 

 large area in which these magnificent ferns are abundant. 



In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the great value of 

 the Hawaiian forests is as watershed, and their usefulness as 

 conservors of rainfall vastly outweighs the value of their timber. 



