82 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



modern warfare. To induce the Government to embark upon a 

 policy of afforestation stress is often laid upon the fact that 

 national forests would prove a source of revenue. Judging from 

 the published accounts of French and German forests, and from 

 the experience of landowners in this country whose woods have 

 been scientifically managed, there can be little doubt that this 

 would eventually be the case. But it is not on this ground that 

 the decision of the Government should be based. The true 

 justification for national afforestation is the well-being and 

 security of the country. Wood is one of the prime necessaries 

 of life. Next to food, it is the article of which an abundant 

 supply is most essential to the nation. It is on this ground that 

 foreign governments have recognised their responsibility in the 

 matter; and it is on this ground also that we hope our Govern- 

 ment will decide to do the same. 



The country has been informed that it is the intention of the 

 Government to make every available acre of land productive. 

 This can only be done with the aid of afforestation. There are, 

 no doubt, thousands of acres of agricultural land, now neglected, 

 which are capable of being profitably cultivated. But beyond 

 these, there are millions of acres of waste land capable of being 

 profitably planted. Unless the Government will assist in planting 

 them, one of the greatest natural resources of the country must 

 remain undeveloped. 



The benefits of national afforestation may be summarised as 

 follows : — 



1. It would turn many barren wastes into profitable 



woodlands. 



2. It would retain, in the rural districts, thousands of men 



who now have to seek employment in the towns. 



3. It would keep in this country, for the benefit of the 



country, millions of pounds now paid away to 

 foreigners. 



4. It would enable a large number of small holdings to be 



established on economic lines. 



5. It would lead to the development of many new 



industries. 



6. It would ensure such a supply of timber as would enable 



British industries to be carried on, without curtailment 

 and without anxiety, in the event of another great war. 



