SYMPOSIUM OX COXSERVATIOX 5 1 



area would gradually encroach upon the area of prairie. Xo 

 problem has been or is more fascinating than this forest- 

 prairie problem, and we are only just beginning to understand 

 some of the factors involved, when we are faced with the danger 

 of the destruction of all our natural areas of vegetation. This 

 forest-prairie problem is not without its economic aspects, for it 

 involves the natural forestation of treeless areas ; if we can deter- 

 mine how and why natural forests develop on prairie soil, we 

 will have discovered a principle of forestry of the widest 

 significance. 



The advantages of forests commonly cited by conservationists 

 are as real in Illineis as elsewhere. These advantages are self- 

 evident and may be mentioned merely by name. Erosion is 

 greatly retarded by an effective forest cover ; it would be possible 

 to display views from various parts of Illinois, showing the 

 destruction of rich layers of surface soil, owing to injudicious 

 deforestation. Our prairies are often very windy, and wind in- 

 cites excessive transpiration, which often is ruinous to crops ; 

 forests serve as effective windbreaks. Ever}- farmer should have 

 his wood-lot. and thus secure a large measure of independence : 

 the wood-lot supplements the fuel supply and contributes much 

 in manifold ways to the peace and prosperity' of the farmer. The 

 establishment of rational conservation and scientific forestr}' in 

 Illinois will have an influence beyond the borders of our State. 

 It is probable that those States which are now the chief seats 

 of lumber exploitation will before many years realize the need 

 of conservative forest management. Perhaps by then our State 

 will have accomplished something of significance that may serve 

 as a pattern for other commonwealths which were endowed more 

 plentifully with natural forests of commercial importance. 



Illinois has started well and in the right direction by acquiring 

 land for a State resers-e at Starved Rock, between La Salle and 

 Ottawa, along the Illinois River. Doubtless this area would not 

 now be a State preserve but for the remarkable combination of 

 historic interest and scenic beauty, with features of botanical and 

 geological importance, that are centered there. Several repre- 

 sentative forest types are there displayed, and now that their 

 preservation is assured they may be expected to increase in inter- 

 est and beauty from year to year. At least four forest t}'pes are 

 there preserved : the river-bottom type, with elms, hackberr}', 

 mulberr}-, box elder, willow, ash, coftee tree, honey locust, and 

 many more : the ravine type, with the hard maple, basswood, and 



