REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF FORESTRY DIVISION, 
Sir: The subject-matter which has been prepared for this report 
has been found to be of such special interest that it has appeared 
advisable to issue the report as a separate publication, and it remains 
for me here only to refer to one phase of the subject therein pre- 
sented, which is not only of general interest but at present the most 
important forestry question of national concern. 
It has been apparent for some years that the nation or the Gov- 
ernment should in some way interest itself specially in the proper 
development and maintenance of one of her choicest natural re- 
sources, the once so-called ‘‘inexhaustible” forest wealth. 
The reasons for such special interest in this class of national prop- 
erty are fourfold. 
It has become evident, in spite of the enormous supplies which 
seemed to be available, that our natural forests are being rapidly re- 
duced, both by an increased demand and by wasteful practices; and 
it is now safe to say that the annual consumption of wood and wood 
products is at least double the amount reproduced on our present 
forest area. The forest, under proper management, is capable of 
furnishing continuous crops, and Hieetate: as a source of constant 
supply, demands national consideration. 
t has become evident that with the unrestrained scourge of fire 
and the destruction by herding and other malpractices now preva- 
lent, and in the absence of all rational forest management, not only 
is the remaining forest deteriorated in material value, but large 
tracts of land are converted into absolute deserts or useless barrens. 
A sound land policy, therefore, demands that the nation should give 
earnest attention to forest management. 
It has become evident that we are not to escape the consequences 
of disturbing the even distribution of water-flow by forest devasta- 
tion and denudation of mountains and hills which have been expe- 
rienced in other parts of the world, and which have reduced fertile 
lands to barrenness, prosperous communities to poverty. 
Regard, therefore, for the future welfare of the several communi- 
ties which in their aggregate represent the nation calls for a rational 
forest policy, a proper minliaation: a proper distribution, and a proper 
“management of the natural forest. 
Lastly, if the nation as such is interested in the proper develop- 
ment of the rich agricultural lands of the plains and prairies, it must 
be interested also—in that part of its domain at least—in forest plant- 
ing as a means of ameliorating climatic conditions and making the 
region more habitable. 
This fourfold aspect of the forestry problem presents itself for con- 
sideration to every nation, and nation after nation has recognized 
its importance and acted accordingly. With the exception of Eng- 
land, which by its insular position is exceptionally situated, all the 
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