viii PREFACE 



of conservation of forests, waters, minerals, because 

 true patriotism demands that the next generation be 

 given not only the liberties which we have inherited from 

 our forefathers, but also their share of the wealth, with 

 which this country was originally endowed. 



It is indeed time that knowledge of and interest in 

 our land and forest problem became more common, and 

 the best way to reach the citizen of tomorrow is to in- 

 terest and instruct the boy of today. He should be told 

 that forestry is absolutely necessary, not only because 

 we cannot get along without timber, but also because 

 we must make our vast areas of non-agricultural land 

 productive; and because the indirect influences of the 

 forest in controlling floods, in moderating climate, in 

 serving as recreation grounds, etc., are so extremely im- 

 portant. 



Forestry means using our forests not locking them 

 up, and every American, young or old, should realize 

 that our nation cannot long prosper unless it profits by 

 the example of other countries, and cares for its non- 

 agricultural, as well as for its fertile, land. 



There are a variety of ways in which popular instruc- 

 tion may be given. The United States Forest Service 

 publishes popular, as well as technical, bulletins, and 

 many States publish circulars on forestry couched in 

 simple terms. However, the outlook for converting the 

 next generation while still at an impressionable age 

 seems most promising, and it is this idea which has in- 

 spired this book. In Part I is told the story of the 

 forest how it grows, how it is managed, the life of a 

 forester, etc., and an effort has been made to bring out 

 the romance and charm attached to the forest and at the 

 same time give a true picture of methods and conditions 

 which are found in the United States. The more tech- 



