chapter XXV 



SOME FOREST SECRETS 



The prosperity of any country in Equatorial Africa 

 largely depends upon its forest resources. This is a fact 

 which slowly but surely is beginning to be recognized 

 by Governments. The continuance and increase of the 

 forests is essential for the well-being of everybody. The 

 forest problem requires concerted action by the respec- 

 tive Forest Departments, the Administration, the Set- 

 tlers and the Natives. 



It requires a clear definition of public and private re- 

 sponsibilities as to land suitable for growing timber 

 with an equitable sharing of the cost. There is no phase 

 of our perpetual supply of fuel and timbers that can- 

 not be met by simple and obvious measures once the 

 constructive effort and capacity for organized co- 

 operation of the settlers and natives have been put be- 

 fore them. 



I cannot do better than to quote Sir. F. D. Lugard, 

 who, in "The Dual Magnate," says "The preservation 

 and control of the forests of Africa is of vital and eco- 

 nomic importance. . . . The Forest Officer is con- 

 cerned both with the afforestation of existing forests 

 and their 'organization,' so that different age classes of 



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