PRINCIPAL DIFFICULTIES AND DETERRENTS 227 



estry. Conversely, low prices will not encourage the private individual 

 to handle his forests on a sustained yield basis. 



5. Unstable and Uncertain Markets. Separate from the low price 

 factor is the fact that prices for forest products vary over a wide 

 range. Owners should take advantage of the crest of price cycles if 

 possible. Changing customs, the increasing introduction and use of 

 substitutes, have made the prices for lumber and other forest products 

 very unstable, uncertain, and unattractive at times. Under these 

 conditions, it is impossible to forecast, accurately, prices to be ex- 

 pected for many of our products. It is likely that the high prices of 

 1920 may not be reached again for several years. 



6. Public and Private Apathy and Ignorance. There has been a 

 failure on the part of both federal and state governments properly to 

 assist private owners to practice forestry. Too few laws are on our 

 statute books to encourage forestry on private property. t The lending 

 power of the federal and state governments at low rates might well 

 be put into effect as has been done to encourage other private indus- 

 tries and activities. 



