\Lhc Cultibation of ^Lrcrs as affecting 



the Jfarm. 



general importance of this subject, and its special ap- 

 plication to Canada, is necessarily our first consideration, 

 and it is one that has been ably handled by evidence be- 

 fore the recent Agricultural Commission, and other sources. 

 The great points of trees or no trees, of retained moisture 

 or rapid evaporation, of irregularly or regularly distributed 

 rain fall, of unchecked storms or amelioration, of more or 

 less temperate temperatures, and of the secondary but 

 telling ones of ornament and cropping revenue all go to 

 make up a chapter of keen interest in our yet but short history as a 

 nation. 



Were evidence needed either to convince or stimulate us to action, the 

 fact of what is being done in the conservation and replanting of forests in 

 other countries should awaken both our pride and deep interest, as such 

 lessons are plentiful in India, Australia, and the neighbouring Republic. 

 There, Forestry is a profession and a Governmental department, system- 

 atically conducted by able officers, who are liberally supplied, first, in the 

 item of experiments, and then in the establishment of extensive re-cloth- 

 ing of lands chosen by virtue of judgment based upon these and other 

 known facts acquired by experience, or as shown by Nature herself. 



When we desire to bring this matter right home to the farmer and his 

 son here, the story takes seven distinct heads : 



1. Shelter for crops. 



2. Shelter for grazing animals. 



3. Shelter for dwellings. 



4. Regulation of temperature. 



5. Regulation of rainfall. 



6. Ornamental purposes ; and 



7. As a cropping investment. 



