14 OUTLINES OF FORESTRY. 



The wood and other products of the forest 

 form an important part of the resources of a 

 country. Man is as much entitled to the harvests 

 of the woods as to the harvests of the fields. 

 Forestry endeavors to point out the best ways in 

 which forest crops may be harvested without detri- 

 ment to the subsequent crops, and without causing 

 the ultimate destruction of the forest. 



Since it is manifestly impossible to preserve 

 forests on all parts of the earth's surface where 

 forests can naturally grow, it should be the duty 

 and care of every community to set aside certain 

 portions where forests shall be perpetually main- 

 tained ; or, if already deforested, shall be replanted 

 or reforested. Such preserves were originally 

 maintained by the arbitrary will of the sovereign 

 lord of the country, for the good of a few, in 

 order to insure royal hunting-grounds. They 

 should now be maintained, by the will of the 

 people, for the good of the many. 



The parts best suited for the perpetual mainte- 

 nance of forests will necessarily vary in different 

 regions. 



In agricultural districts, certain areas should 

 invariably be set aside on which trees shall be 

 perpetually preserved; for true economy requires 



