Reform in Forestry Methods 243 



of others in no wise germane to them, according to 

 the exigencies of the interests and ambitions of 

 members. 



One of the most efficient agencies of agitation in 

 behalf of forestry reform is the American Forestry 

 Association, with its affiliated societies in several 

 of the States. The American Forestry Association 

 was founded in 1882. From small beginnings it 

 has grown to be a very influential body, as is 

 perhaps best shown by the abuse occasionally 

 heaped upon it by western sheepmen and other 

 parties, whose real or imagined interests conflict 

 with its aims. It numbers among its members 

 prominent men in all walks of life, including lumber- 

 men, manufacturers, statesmen, and scientists. The 

 association holds meetings, from time to time, in 

 various parts of the country, at which papers are 

 read, questions of general interest discussed, and 

 other business transacted. The meeting of the asso- 

 ciation in any given community usually results in a 

 great quickening of local interest in forestry matters, 

 with consequent good results in practice and legis- 

 lation. The association also publishes a monthly 

 periodical, called The Forester, which is doing ex- 

 cellent service in spreading information, affording 

 a medium of discussion and collecting news in 

 forestry matters. This magazine was originally 

 founded by Mr. John Gifford, of New Jersey, one 

 of the pioneers in the forestry-reform movement. 

 He transferred it to the association, to be its offi- 

 cial organ. Another similar publication is Forest 



