IO2 HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. 



noticed later on. But the masses manifestly need enlightening with 

 reference to the influence and general benefits of the right distribution of 

 wood lands. That destructive tendencies of many kinds would be arrested 

 if the great West and Northwest could be given the protection afforded by 

 extensive forests, there seems little doubt. It is safe to say that the proper 

 distribution of moisture, the modification of atmospheric and soil tempera- 

 ture, the influence towards preventing the frightful tornadoes, the pitiless 

 blizzards from the far North, and the parching winds that sweep our 

 Western plains, the annual precipitation of moisture, the avoidance of 

 prolonged drouths and of disastrous floods all these and similar con- 

 ditions would be most favorably affected. The modifying influences of 

 large bodies of timberland upon climate are too well known to need dis- 

 cussion. For this reason fruit growing is always more certain, other 

 things being equal, contiguous to extensive woods, or where sheltered by 

 trees. As a protection from the disastrous effects of severe winds, they 

 are most valuable to the orchard and garden. 



Fifteen years ago the author of "Man and Nature" was of the 

 opinion that not one of our States had, within its borders, with the excep. 

 tion of Oregon, more timber land than it ought permanently to preserve, 

 (meaning of course the relative proportion to the landed area.) Since 

 then the decrease has been considerable, as the annual consumption in the 

 arts alone amounts to over 20,000,000,000 cubic feet, 



While the entire forest area of the United States is not far from 

 500,000,000 acres, (which seems a large amount,) yet our economists agree 

 that we have reached the lowest profitable limit of forest area. Basing 

 the calculation upon the known rates of forest increase in European coun- 

 tries, it is estimated that to supply the yearly demand mentioned, the 

 yield or increase of some 400,000,000 acres must be employed. Add to 

 this the enormous destruction from forest fires, domestic uses, etc., and it 

 will be seen that the conclusion reached from the standpoint of National 

 economies is a reasonable and logical one. But, however indisputable the 

 position taken may be in favor of conserving and adding to the forest 

 area, it is doubtful if the correct solution of the problem will be reached 

 until the people can be made to realize that there is money in the tree as 

 an investment. This it ought not to be difficult to show. Let any person 

 select even one acre of good strong soil, the same as he would expect to 

 grow any profitable crop on, and let him plant say 5,000 small trees ol 

 several good varieties white ash, wild black cherry, black walnut, linden, 



