190 OUTLINES OF FORESTRY. 



The ravages of the animal kingdom are most 

 marked on the borders of the forest. In the 

 deeper recesses, the vegetable kingdom holds 

 almost undisputed sway, excluding the animal 

 forms by the density of its growth. 



Domestic animals, when allowed to range freely 

 through the forest, may cause considerable damage, 

 by destroying the foliage, or by gnawing the bark 

 of trees. 



Among wild animals, rodents are the most de- 

 structive by gnawing the bark, and often by com- 

 pletely girdling the trees. 



Rabbits, mice, and beavers are among the ro- 

 dents that cause the greatest damage to the 

 forests. 



Beavers destroy forests not only by actually 

 cutting down trees, but also by building dams 

 which cause the overflowing of the adjacent coun- 

 try, which thus destroys the timber growing 

 thereon. 



Goats and other animals that live largely on the 

 bark of trees often work great destruction to the 

 forests. 



Insects cause damage to the forests, either by 

 feeding on the parts of the tree necessary for re- 

 production or growth, or by making galleries or 



