CHAPTER XIV 



THE FUTUEE OF FOEESTEY IN THE UNITED STATES 



THE development of forestry in this country can 

 be likened to the growth of a tree. Commencing in 

 Colonial times many seeds were sown in the form of 

 warnings and prophecies concerning our vanishing tim- 

 ber supply but the seed did not germinate until 

 1876 when a Forest Agency was established in the 

 Department of Agriculture. Owing to limited popular 

 interest little apparent progress was made but as in 

 the case of many trees a good root system was being 

 developed preparatory to later rapid growth. Since 

 fifteen years ago when Colonel Roosevelt became Presi- 

 dent the amount of land within our forests has been 

 greatly increased and rapid strides have been made 

 in the protection and development of the national 

 forests. Private owners are taking notice of the work 

 done by the Federal Government and while a start 

 has been made there is still much to be done. 



Americans often pride themselves upon their ability 

 to. achieve remarkable results in a very short time. 

 While undoubtedly we have developed our country 

 with great speed yet in spite of our rapid growth we 

 are still a long distance behind some of the European 

 countries in the management of our woodland. They 

 were forced by necessity to care for their wild and 

 mountainous land and consequently have brought their 

 untillable areas to a high state of cultivation. Not 

 only do the governments of such countries as France, 

 Switzerland and Germany realize the importance of 



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