PREFACE. V 



up to the present time, and by which our forests 

 will soon be doomed to total extinction, we should 

 not only glance at, but study European systems 

 closely, and inquire into the possibility of adopting 

 them to some extent, if necessary. If we .do that we 

 will find that, without " making the elaborate science and 

 intricate machinery of European forestry available in this 

 State" (see Second Annual Report of the Forest Com- 

 mission, Albany, 1887, page 17), the preservation of 

 our woods can be accomplished, and at the same time 

 a continued and even enlarged exploitation may be 

 secured by applying some similar methods, subject 

 of course to such changes as are rendered necessary 

 by a diversity of climate, soil and local influences. 



Although twenty years' experience in forestry in 

 northern Germany, combined with personal observa- 

 tion in this country, during a like period, would seem 

 to justify me in urging the practicability of intro- 

 ducing systematic forestry into the United States, I do 

 not intend to express here a positive opinion on this 

 point. During the course of my experience in this 

 State, I have heard and read so much regarding the 

 necessity of arresting the reckless use and destruction 

 of our forests, that I thought the time had at last ar- 

 rived to answer the question, 4< How shall we preserve our 

 forests?" with a practical work. In the following 

 pages I have endeavored to furnish sufficient hints to 

 those who are interested in this important matter, to 

 form a correct opinion in regard to the requirements 

 of the culture of forests, and to apply the acquired 

 knowledge to the proper preservation of wild or 

 natural forests, and the restoration of wood-lands 

 which have been denuded. 



In the arrangement of the chapters, I have been led 

 by a desire to give not only reliable information upon 

 the subject, but also to furnish teachers in forest cul- 



