210 FIRST YEAR COURSE IN GENERAL SCIENCE 



tains bear the forests of our country. When the pioneers 

 entered a new region, their first need was ground suited 

 for agriculture. Low plains along the rivers were ready for 

 plowing and planting; but in the East, which was settled 

 earliest, the plains were very soon occupied, and then began 

 the felling of " the forest primeval." 



People are now beginning to realize that the methods 



FIG. 109. SCENE FROM A WESTERN FOREST 



1. Observe the standing timber and tell what it promises as a beginning 

 for a new forest. 2. What do the owners gain by this method of lumbering? 

 3. What forest "enemy" have they introduced? 



properly employed by the pioneers in clearing fields for agri- 

 culture should not be used in securing wood for building, 

 furniture, or fuel. Much waste has occurred from igno- 

 rance of right methods and from selfish desire for the pres- 

 ent profit only. Young trees too small to be of value have 

 been cut and burned to clear the way for removing larger 

 trunks. The branches cut from the trees have been left 



