22 INTRODUCTION 



turies. There are many strong implications of service throughout the 

 profession of forestry. One must be imbued with this spirit of con- 

 structive helpfulness in the upbuilding, reconditioning, and mainte- 

 nance of our forest resources. 



5. Executive and administrative ability. The management of 

 large tracts of timberland; the appraisal, purchase, and handling of 

 forest products; and the management of industries dependent upon 

 the forest as a source of raw materials all require men of vision, tact, 

 personality, experience, judgment, and ability. 



It is quite apparent from the above that forestry is an exceedingly 

 exacting profession one that has to do with almost every phase of 

 human activity. Certainly there is little that is monotonous about the 

 work and the life of a forester. He is very likely to travel rather 

 widely and come into contact with many interesting people who derive 

 their livelihood from the woods. It is an invigorating, stimulating 

 and healthful profession and one that challenges the best efforts of 

 those that select it for their life work, 



5. PRINCIPAL BRANCHES OF FORESTRY 



The subject of forestry is generally classified into five principal 

 branches. They are briefly described here in order to emphasize the 

 widespread scope of the subject. Most of them are treated later in 

 the text, especially those of a fundamental and elementary nature. 

 Some subjects, such as dendrology, forest finance, and valuation, are 

 so involved or the field so broad that they are not included in a text 

 of this type. 



1. Forest Protection. Forest protection is the safeguarding of the 

 forest against damage or injury. It is fundamental and prerequisite in 

 all forestry work. The principal enemy of the forest is fire. Forest 

 management or any other phase of continued forestry work is impos- 

 sible without adequate forest fire protection. 



Many varieties of insects and fungi attack both living and dead 

 trees. In some regions, protection of the forest from grazing animals 

 is of major importance. Other natural agencies involved in forest 

 protection are atmospheric, such as wind, frost, and lightning, which 

 may cause damage to standing timber. Shifting sands, landslides, 

 and avalanches also are destructive. This subject likewise includes 

 protection of forests against trespass or injury by mankind. 



2. Silviculture. Silviculture is the art of producing, reproducing, 

 and tending a forest. It is the application of the knowledge of silvics 

 in the management of a forest. Silvics is the science which treats 



