66 



A very large proportion of the forests have been cut off, until 

 today there is supposed to be but i8 per cent, of the whole area 

 which can be classed as woodland. On the other hand, multi- 

 tudes of trees have been planted and in many instances have 

 grown into great size. There is far less "timber" existing now 

 than formerly, tho there may be as many living trees as there 

 were before the white man began his sway. 



Only eight species of coniferous trees are native to our area, 

 none ot which existed in comparatively large numbers, and some 

 of which were closely restricted in distribution. The broad- 

 leaved kinds are represented by eighty-two native species which 

 may be called timber trees. Besides these, at least seven kinds 

 which reach the size of large trees have been introduced and 

 ^re now self-perpetuating. Numerous other kinds have been 

 planted and have proved to be well adapted to the prevailing 

 conditions. 



The time has fully arrived for effective action by individuals, 

 by societies, and by the State looking toward the preservation 

 and better utilization of our natural forests and for the extension 

 and improvement of woodlands. The local conditions and gen- 

 eral needs should be exhaustively studied in order that the best 

 provision for the future may be made. Illinois has comparative- 

 ly small forest areas, but has needs for forest supplies and in- 

 fluences enonnously large. These can in part be self furnished. 

 It is surely time that the work should begin. 



