FOREWORD 



The American people have enjoyed the use and benefit of suf- 

 ficient primary natural resources to develop this nation to a position 

 of great strength and prosperity. If our people will learn how to use, 

 manage, and maintain them for the widest present and permanent 

 benefits and to apply this knowledge gained by experience through 

 the coming years, it is likely that our natural resources may continue 

 to contribute in very substantial fashion to further strength, pros- 

 perity, and happiness. 



Our forests, next to our soils, are our most precious natural re- 

 source. Around this vast resource, occupying approximately one- 

 fourth of our total land surface, is built a new concept of national 

 planning. The work to be accomplished is conservation, management, 

 and enhanced use, and this is a challenge not for the next few years 

 but for many generations to come. Our rich and varied forests are 

 capable of supplying our domestic requirements and a very extensive 

 and profitable export trade that should inure to the benefit and pros- 

 perity of our people. It is of great importance that due consideration 

 be given to the conservation of our forest resources. This work is 

 intimately integrated with other primary resources, chiefly soil, water, 

 and mineral. 



It is significant that, within the past few years, a new appreciation 

 and understanding of the contributions which our natural resources 

 may make to the prosperity of the nation have developed. Through 

 recent government emergency measures, conservation has enjoyed 

 most noteworthy forward progress. 



It is hoped that this general treatise on the subject of forestry may 

 contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of the part our 

 forests may play in the welfare and happiness of the American nation. 



NELSON COURTLANDT BROWN. 

 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 

 September, 1935 



