ANNUAL WINTER MEETING. 73 
confronting us: How shall this crop be maintained in adequate measure 
when consumption is increasing, while the area of ground occupied by 
trees is decreasing, because of the demands constantly made upon it for 
tillage purposes?” 
It is a very grave question we are called upon to consider, the relation 
of trees and their effects upon climate, to the whole business of agricul- 
ture, and one that should receive the attention of those most skilled in 
deforestation and preservation. Meteorologists should study what will be 
our climatic conditions when this vast area of forest growth that skirts 
the northern boundary of our state and tempers the cold winds that 
sweep down from the north, shall all be laid low by the woodman’s ax. 
If we ever expect to derive any benefits in the far future from a reserva- 
tion of any extent or magnitude, it must be set apart now and at once, 
before the onslaught of tree vandalism has taken possession. We shouid 
reserve large portions of this area, with such restrictions to govern its 
care and management as will conserve the best interest of the present as 
well as the future generations of mankind. We should usea little fore- 
sight in matters of so great importance to the future agricultural in- 
dustries of our state. “It is no use putting up the bars or locking the 
doors after the horse is stolen,” will apply to this question of forest pre- 
servation very well. I will ask where is there a more appropriate place 
for an extensive experiment of forest growing under government control, 
than in the northern part of Minnesota, and one where there is so great 
need of preserving the ameliorating effects of climatic conditions. We 
should bury selfish local interests out of sight, when we consider them be- 
side one that will be of such great benefit to the future generations that 
will occupy the territory of agricultural lands to the south and west of 
this large area. Cogent, convincing resolutions should be passed by 
every industrial organization that professes to be in touch and sympathy 
with the conservative interests of the larger portion of our population and 
the future widespread prosperity of our great state. 
LIBRARY. 
The library of any society or organization is the receptacle of recorded 
thoughtful expressions, experiences and successes, and thoughtless failures. 
A society without a typical literature is also without a history, and des- 
titute of hope and aspiration. Our annual reports from the beginning 
constitute the golden chain that binds the past, present and future gene- 
rations of co-workers together. It is truly said, ‘‘Civilization received its 
most powerful impulse when the thought of a library was first born into 
arace. Ptolemy Soter, the Egyptian monarch, lives forever enshrined in 
the affections of mankind as the founder and builder of the Alexandrian 
library, while Caliph Omar’s name will descend in ignominy to the latest 
generation, as the destroyer of this invaluable collection of the utterances 
of men.” 
The man who writes or utters a new fact, principle, practical experience, 
trial or observation, or causes a useful book to be printed, becomes the 
benefactor of his fellows forever, and the benefits of his pregnant labor 
increase and grow strong as time progresses. 
There is no reason why a person having intellectual capacity to compre- 
hend, with proper application, should not be thoroughly acquainted with 
the best books relating to his avocation. Natural inclination is not inher- 
