APPENDIX. 223 



pective value of economic timber is realized by many, and 

 the growth of young native timber is encouraged by the usual 

 means of protection from cattle and disastrous fires. 



Systematic forest culture, for which there is so boundless a 

 field, has thus far been practised to but small extent, though 

 every intelligent citizen knows that the most valuable kinds 

 of timber are being exhausted very fast. How long this spell 

 of popular indifference will last cannot be foretold by the 

 wisest. Millions of acres in the lowlands and on hill-sides 

 capable of producing the most valuable timbers, lie idle as 

 though belonging to some Indian tribe. 



Much popular education is surely needed to break the bar- 

 riers of indifference and popular selfishness underlying all the 

 evil. We need a tow-line attached to the dormant intelligence 

 of the people (as far as American forestry is concerned), to 

 draw it into action. When once aroused from the dream of 

 inexhaustible forest wealth, the West will do its honest share 

 in forest culture, as her resources are almost without limit. 



My most sincere wishes for the success of your forthcoming 

 work on Forestry. Command my services at any time when 

 special features of information from this section are desired. 



Very respectfully, 



M. G. KERN. 



TREES PRINCIPALLY GROWN IN FOREST CULT- 

 URE IN MISSOURI AND ADJOINING SECTIONS. 



Initial Step in Forest Culture. 

 Cotton-wood. 

 Black Walnut. 

 Soft Maple. 



