66 AN^iUAL REPORT 



irregular in supply arid prices; short at one time and overstocked at 

 another. They are the great distributors and equalizers or balancing 

 power that governs supply and demand, the market gardener's best 

 support. 



FORESTRY. 



I do not wish to forestall the Forestry Committee's reports, only to 

 add emphasis to what they may say with regard to the adopting of 

 some definite plans for accomplishing what seems to be of necessity 

 for the well-being of those interested in horticultural and agricultu- 

 ral pursuits. The subject of fore<^try is becoming of so much import- 

 ance to the people of every State and Territory' that it is attracting a 

 portion of their attention which it so justly deserves. There should 

 338 some scheme devised for the reservation and protection of large 

 areas of timber to the west and northwest of this point, to serve for 

 the specific purpose of protection from storms of wind which sweep 

 over this portion ot the country with so much fury and cause such great 

 loss of life and property The ameliorating influences of this large 

 belt of timber on our climate at this point is known to be very great; 

 the thermometer here ranging several degrees higher in winter and 

 lower in summer than west of the big woods. If such are the facts, 

 that alone would be a good argument in favor of this scheme. Unless 

 some measure is taken soon to preserve it for wind breaks and other 

 uses, we shall have the dreaded cyclone sweeping through our streets 

 and beautiful parks, laying waste our shade trees and dwellings. The 

 acquiring now of large tracts of these fine timber lands, if protected 

 and Cared for properly, would have a tendency to increase in value the 

 adjoining portions of the State; also it would be a good financial 

 scheme as rend'^ring future aid and assistance to many other kinds of 

 industry. Many are urging reasons for experimental stations to be 

 instituted to aid in growing tree seedlings for distribution to those 

 desiring to grow timber. This is well enough, but better than*this is 

 to enact laws for the preservation and protection of the forests we 

 now have, that have been planted by an indulgent Creator and so 

 beautifully cared for by an all-wise Protector, until wasteful man took 

 possession. I would therefore recommend that the committee inves- 

 tigate and suitably consider this great question of so vital importance 

 to the prosperity and happiness of the future generations, and draft 

 resolutions to be presented to the Society expressive of our desires 

 and wishes on this question of forest preservation and protection, 

 before adjournment 



