150 PRACTICAL FORESTRY 
ning, or a series of thinnings, would stimulate growth 
and wood production. Often one tree may outstrip 
the others to such extent that its wide-spreading 
branches may hinder the growth of many promising 
young trees. These wolf-trees should be removed. 
And so on, if a man cuts with other purposes than 
the mere reaping of the wood, he may gradually im- 
prove the condition of his forest, increase its pro- 
ductive capacity, and reap, at the same time, con- 
siderable useful wood. There will always be an 
abundance of fuel-wood in this country. Owing to 
the cheapness and convenience of coal this is not 
needed. We want good clean timber for constructive 
purposes. The production of this requires time and 
skill. 
2. ‘PROTECTION 
No part of the subject of forestry is of more im- 
portance than protection. The protection of all for- 
sts, both State and private, against fire and against 
the careless or malicious actions of individuals, is the 
duty of the State. This should be controlled by well- 
enforced laws, and the State should be held respon- 
sible. The State owes protection to the persons and 
property of law-abiding citizens. This function of 
the State has never been fully performed in the for- 
est districts of this country. 
- The subject of protection will be divided for con- 
