FORESTRY. 



So thoroughly am I impressed with the importance of this branch ol 

 horticulture to the best results in fruit growing, that I would be willing 

 to promise a revolution in this industry could I be given the control of 

 the forest tree planting of the Nation for the next twenty years, and the 

 facilities for making the work effective. 



I would place a shelter-belt of timber on every farm in the land, and 

 to every tenth acre cultivated, at most, I would have an acre of perma- 

 nent woods. Furthermore, the most ample precautions would be taken 

 to guard against disastrous forest fires, and to preserve, within reasonable 

 limits, the mountain and native woodlands from denudation. It is doubt- 

 ful if our Government could make a more judicious investment, or better 

 promote the general welfare, than by annually making well-advised ex- 

 penditures in the direction of forest tree planting. 



The "Timber Culture Act" is founded in a wise public policy, and, 

 if its provisions were honestly carried out, would be very beneficial. But 

 so much neglect and bad faith are shown on the part of many who avail 

 themselves of its generous terms, that the real aim of the law is defeated in 

 a large majority of cases. 



It can only be made to accomplish the wholesome objects intended, 

 by the strictest supervision on the part of those in authority. "With every 

 reasonable allowance made for failures from unforseen causes or adverse 

 conditions, like lack of water (and these should only operate to extend 

 the time to enable a substantial compliance with the law), no person 

 should be permitted to obtain a title under this act who has not acted, in 

 all respects, with absolute good faith in planting and caring for his "tim- 

 ber claim." If this rule were strictly adhered to, deception would be un- 

 availing, and there would be less heard of the " impossible conditions of 

 the law," or the hardships of enforcing its provisions to the letter, as an 

 excuse for making a farce of tree planting. Let the law stand, and, if 

 necessary, add tenfold to its advantages, as ao inducement to planters, but 

 see that the work is done, and done well. Failure is often the result, too, 

 of lack of knowledge of the proper methods of planting, which will be 



