ECONOMIZING AND PRESERVING OUR FORESTS. 37 
formerly worthless land have been brought under successful culture, and the climate, if it 
has not improved, as some claim, at least has not deteriorated. 
Other countries are following the example of Germany, and systematic forest-planting 
is now being faithfully carried out, not only in Europe, but in India and Australia. 
In our own country, although we have not yet felt any ill effects from the partial 
removal of our woods, yet the timber supply is being so rapidly exhausted, that the 
question of replanting must before long engage the serious attention of our people. At 
the present rate of consumption and destruction, it is estimated that the twentieth century 
will see the greater portion of the American continent well nigh denuded of its forests. 
The disastrous consequences of a dearth of timber in Canada would be difficult to describe ; 
it would interfere sadly with the further settlement of our country and paralyse our 
industries. 
Stricter regulations are needed to prevent the unnecessary destruction of timber by 
the lumberer, and by the forest fires which often arise from wanton carelessness, and 
entail immense losses. Some measures looking to the replanting of denuded districts 
should also be introduced. 
In the comparatively treeless portions of our great Northwest Territory, a marked 
improvement in the climate might be effected by judicious and extensive tree planting ; 
and in all parts of our Dominion endeavors should be made to excite a general interest in 
this subject, and to create a healthy sentiment in favor of preserving, with greater care, 
the remnants of the noble forest with which our country was once clothed. 
