Forest Conservation. 



A. Edye de Hurst, Dennyhiirst, Drydeii, Ontario. 



The existence of the Canadian Forestry 

 Association is evidence that Canada is at 

 last awakening to the awful losses she has 

 suffered during the last few years through 

 the destruction of her fast-diminishing for- 

 est resources. It is probable however that 

 few of those in whose hands the Govern- 

 ment of the country at present rests fully 

 realize the real magnitude of that loss, the 

 mere figures as to the devastated acreage 

 convey to small an idea when placed along- 

 side the square mileage of the Dominion of 

 the regions still believed to be under grow- 

 ing timber. Nature is given the credit of 

 being capable of making good that loss in 

 years to come. If every generation looks' 

 at it in this light I would not give much 

 for the forest assets in the near future. 

 Nature is not getting half a chance at pre- 

 sent. 1 am no pessimist, I believe she is 

 going to get her opportunity; but it will 

 be in the face of strong opposition. This 

 will arise because of the indifference of 



many of the people to anything beyond their 

 own immediate interests. 



That Canada will always be more or less 

 liable to forest fires through unavoidable 

 occurrences must be accepted as a foregone 

 conclusion ; but not half the present losses 

 can be said to be occasioned in this way. 

 It is perfectly fair to base this estimate on 

 observation in a given district and the de- 

 meanor of settlers in the matter. 



In theory few will oppose forest conser- 

 vation ; they do not wish to stand in the way 

 of Tom or Dick getting 75 a month as 

 rangers. True, neither may know the differ- 

 ence between a white and black spruce ; but 

 'that does not affect their suitability for 

 the berth. ' Besides, the rangers are oc- 

 cupied on Crown lands and will not molest 

 people. If the losses were only those started 

 on the last named — allowing for unavoid- 

 able accidents — there would not be so much 

 to complain about; but in a vast number of 

 cases fires originate on settled lands and 



Broadway, One of Winnipeg's Beautiful Streets. 

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