OUR FORESTS 



115 



growth. (3) Forests may be artificially 

 planted. Two seedlings planted for every 

 tree cut is a rule followed in Europe. (4) 

 The most economical method is that shown 

 in the lower picture on page 114, where the 

 largest trees are thinned out over a large 

 area so ^s to make room for the younger 

 ones to grow up. The greatest dangers 

 to the forests are from fire and from care- 

 less cutting, and these dangers may be 

 kept in check by the efficient work of our 

 national and state foresters. 



A City's Need for Trees. — The city of 

 Paris, well known as one of the most 

 beautiful of European capitals, spends 

 over $100,000 annually in caring for and 

 replacing some of the 90,000 trees owned 

 by the city. All over the United States 

 the city governments are beginning to 

 realize what European cities have long 

 known, that trees are of great value to a 



city. They are now following the example of European cities by 

 planting trees and by protecting the trees after they are planted. 

 Thousands of city trees are annually killed by horses which 

 gnaw the bark. This may be prevented by proper protection of 

 the trunk by means of screens or wire guards. Chicago has 

 appointed a city forester, who has given the following excellent 

 reasons why trees should be planted in the city : — 



(1) Trees are beautiful in form and color, inspiring a constant appreci- 

 ation of nature. 



(2) Trees enhance the beauty of architecture. 



(3) Trees create sentiment, love of country, state, city, and home. 



(4) Trees have an educational influence upon citizens of all ages, 

 especially children. 



(5) Trees encourage outdoor life. 



(6) Trees purify the air. 



(7) Trees cool the air in summer and radiate warmth in winter. 



(8) Trees improve climate and conserve soil and moisture. 



We must protect our city 

 trees. This tree was 

 badly wounded by be- 

 ing gnawed by a horse. 



