10 OUTLINES OF FORESTRY. 



does not aim to oppose nature, but simply to aid 

 her. It endeavors to make use of the conditions 

 naturally existing in any locality that are favorable 

 to the continued growth of trees, and to oppose 

 or hold in check conditions unfavorable to such 

 growth. 



The following considerations will suffice to show 

 the necessity for the existence of Forestry Associa- 

 tions, and the enactment of strict laws for the care 

 and preservation of the rapidly decreasing forest 

 areas of the earth. The North Temperate zone, 

 the cradle of the human race, possesses the densest 

 civilized population. This zone was originally 

 covered by extensive forests, and is still heavily 

 wooded over extended areas. 



Civilized man, however, cannot continue a 

 dweller in the forest. It is true that in sparsely 

 settled districts no necessity exists for the removal 

 of the entire forest ; but, as the density of popula- 

 tion increases, the demands made on the forest 

 increase. Such demands will, therefore, increase 

 rather than decrease in the near future. Hence 

 the necessity for the existence of Forestry Associa- 

 tions and the enactment of Forestry Laws. 



The demands made on the forest by civilized 

 man are either 



