Reform in Forestry Methods 239 



forester who had received his training in the woods 

 and schools of Germany, was placed at its head. 

 He continued in this position until 1898, when he 

 was called to the head of the Forestry College at 

 Ithaca, N. Y. Under his management it became 

 one of the special aims of the Division to gain the 

 good will of the lumbermen and other forestal 

 business interests by collecting information of im- 

 mediate practical importance to them. In addition, 

 the chief and his assistants sought by writing and 

 lectures to spread among the people correct infor- 

 mation on forestry subjects, and to their efforts it is 

 due in no small degree that the attitude towards 

 forestry both of the business interests and the pub- 

 lic at large has begun to change very rapidly during 

 the last few years. Dr. Fernow's successor in office 

 is Mr. Gifford Pinchot, also a man of European 

 training, as well as large practical experience in 

 forestry matters in this country. Mr. Pinchot has 

 added to the other work of the Division a system 

 by which owners of woodlands may call upon the 

 officials to advise them in the institution of plans 

 for silvicultural treatment of their properties. The 

 new departure has met with unexpected success 

 and marks the first step towards general introduc- 

 tion of silvicultural forestry in this country. 



It should not be supposed that no silviculture at 

 all had been practised before this time in the 

 United States. Aside from the planting of tree 

 belts on the plains, which has repeatedly been 

 referred to, and what tree planting approaching the 



