720 Forestry Quarterly 



still based on empiricism and judgment — even in determining 

 rotation and felling cycle — instead of applying the theories which 

 scientific inquiry has shown to be superior. The explanation is 

 simple; forestry in the last analysis is business, and practical 

 business considerations often bar the use of better methods — the 

 same considerations which prevent the Forest Service from 

 practising "sound silviculture!" 



There is much more in this bulletin that we would like to dis- 

 cuss controversially, but we have perhaps said enough to stimulate 

 every forester to read the pamphlet itself, and reaUze that the atti- 

 tude of the author at least is the correct one. The proper sanita- 

 tion of otu* forests is as important as their regeneration. 



B. E. F. 



Second Biennial Report, The State Forester of Kentucky, 1915. 

 Published by Direction of the State Board of Forestry. Frank- 

 fort, Ky. Pp. 140. 



This report deserves more than the mere listing under Other 

 Current Literature, which was given it on its appearance. The 

 report is also particularly interesting as coming from a hardwood 

 State, especially for two longer articles which form the bulk of the 

 volimie. 



The State Forester's (J. E. Barton) portion consists of a well 

 stated, matter of fact report of his doings and recommendations for 

 further action on the part of the State Board of Forestry and the 

 Legislature. Education by addresses, bulletins and other pub- 

 licity agencies, forest fire protection by wardens. State nurseries, 

 growing mainly hardwood trees for free distribution, a small 

 experimental forest, and action to enable the Weeks Law, to pur- 

 chase National Forests in the State, are discussed in a businesslike 

 manner. 



From a short article by M. H. Foerster, the forester of the 

 Consolidation Coal Company, we learn that this company "be- 

 came the pioneer in the practice of forestry in this part of the 

 State (Eastern Kentucky)" on its 24,000 acres of timberland, 

 which is to furnish increasing requirements of mine timber. "The 

 ideal type of forest for mining purposes, the author states, is a full, 

 even-aged stand of yotmg pole timber which will reproduce itself 

 naturally after the end of each rotation." So far, the activities 



