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But without dwelling further upon what might have been done that was not, or fur- 

 ther noticing the good intentions that failed, let us consider what may still be done under 

 authority of gevernment in providing for the public welfare with respect to forest supplies. 



The plan I would suggest as worthy of study for this object would be somewhat as 

 follows : — 



Let a system of forest administration be established thai should include the means 

 for exploring and estimating the extent and value of timber tracts. Let them be divided 

 and described by natural boundaries into parcels of convenient size, and let a ground rent 

 be fixed that should be reasonable in amount and certain in its terms of payment. Let 

 these parcels be leased one year at a time, but with privileges of renewal at the end of 

 each year upon strict compliance with all the terms of the lease. Let the principal 

 revenue depend upon the amount of timber brought out, and in case of competition for 

 the privilege, let the man have it who will bid the most. Let the terms of the lease re- 

 serve the young trees below a given size, and impose strict attention to prevent forest 

 fires. And finally, let the land be reserved and protected for a future growth. Inspec- 

 tions and reports should be required to ensure a knowledge of the fidelity of all parties 

 to the conditions of the law and exactness in the returns, and the business of each year 

 should be embodied in an annual report. 



A plan of fore-st management, having for its object sustained production for indefinite 

 time, implies a special qualification for the service, and both a theoretical and practical 

 acquaintance with all matters affecting the growth and reproduction of woodlands. It 

 needs maps, plans and a programme for future management ; the location and construc- 

 tion of roads for the removal of products ; the measurement of standing timbers ; the 

 calculations of areas and contents, and a wide range of knowledge in the sciences that 

 concern the welfare of forest growth ; the prevention of injuries so far as within the 

 skill of man is possible, and a habit of study and observation that qualifies the mind for 

 appreciating and applying any modifications of a plan as new conditions may require, and 

 as unforseen contingencies may arise. 



In Europe, where forestry has been practically studied for centuries. Schools of 

 Forestry have been established under the care and at the expense of governments or of 

 associated proprietors of forest estates, for the express purpose of preparing candidates for 

 the forest service, for the intelligent and successful discharge of their duties, and none 

 but those who can bear the test of rigid examinations and of approved practical skill are 

 entrusted with the care of the public forests. 



With us there has been hitherto no inducement for young men to qualify themselves 

 for such a position as the superintendent of a forest would be required to till, and no oppor- 

 tunity would have been open for them had they the requisite qualifications for the trust. 



There can be but little doubt, however, but that persons fully qualified for a be- 

 ginning, could be easily found, and that others would seek to qualify themselves when- 

 ever there was a prospect of permanent employment. 



But there is another class of duties that relate to the sale of timber and its delivery 

 — to its protection from trespass, and other administrative details that can be performed 

 by any person possessing vigilance, energy, integrity and a good business talent. 



It might be proper to assign these general duties to two classes of agents under one 

 central direction, but acting separately, each in matters relating to his own charge, but 

 both in harmony with the general plan. In case of such a division of duties, the one 

 looking after the general welfare of the forest should decide when and where and how a 

 cutting should be made, reference being therein had to the condition of the woodlands, 

 and the welfare of their future. It should have the care of inspection, to insure faithful 

 observance of its rules and conditions in the work done, but he should have no interest 

 nor motive in any way relating to the sales, and in European Forest Codes, not only are 

 the agents in the service excluded from dealing in forest products, but their relatives also, 

 Mdthin the limits of probable interest, or the sympathy of family ties. 



Already in the British Colonies of Australia, in New Zealand and in India, systems 

 of Forest Management have been commenced in a way that promises good success — but 

 from the necessities of the case, each country has much to learn that could not be applied 

 in another. 



