FOREST UTILIZATION, 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE annual produce of forests affords the most striking 

 proof of their utility; it enables us to satisfy a great number 

 of our wants, and we can never dispense, with forest produce, 

 or only do so with the greatest difficulty. 



In earlier times, when forests extended far beyond human 

 requirements and unimpaired natural forces maintained them 

 intact without any artificial assistance, Forest I'tili/ation com- 

 prised the whole art of forestry. Protection, tending, sowing 

 and planting were unnecessary; superabundant supplies of 

 forest produce were available I'm- all possible requirements, 

 and had only to be utilized. This was done for a 

 without any regard to economy or to the wants of future 

 generations. 



An utterly wasteful utilization of forest product; continued, 

 until a wood-famine was impending; for the demands made 

 on agricultural produce by a steadily increasing population 

 involved the clearance of vast areas of woodland, while the 

 prolonged maltreatment to which forests were subjected had 

 diminished their productiveness considerably. Unfortunately, 

 in many countries, matters have not improved in this respect. 

 If forests are to be maintained, the woodcutter's axe and the 

 utilization of all forest produce must be brought under control, 

 land suitable for producing forests should be densely stocked 

 with trees, and forest utilization subordinated to silviculture. 



Forest raw material may be utilized in various ways, but its 

 utility will be secured most fully when each product is used 

 for the purpose for which it is better adapted than any other 

 available material. Then only can a forest respond properly 

 to the interests of mankind as well as to those of its owner, for 



