IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS 



387 



Figure 421 . — Pollen 

 of Pine. 



agriculture for many years, l>ut that carried into the 

 streams clogs harbors and channels, making it accessary 



to spend large sums in dredging. 



Forests arc destroyed not only by lumbering operations, 

 but also by fires, many of which are caused by carelessm 

 Forest fires, in addition t<> destroying 

 the trees, render large territories useless 

 for agriculture by burning up the 

 humus, or organic part of the soil. So 

 great is the destruction and waste 

 caused by forest tires, that the national 

 and state governments have taken measures to prevent 

 them. Forests are now patrolled daily during parts of 

 the } T ear and apparatus for fighting fires is always in 

 readiness. 



In addition, the government is setting out thousands of 

 young trees and protecting them in an effort to re-fon 

 bare territory, especially around the headwaters of rivers. 

 Where forests still exist, the government is buying them 

 in order that they may not be destroyed. Such tracts 

 are called forest reserves. 



In European countries the study of forestry lias been 

 carried on for a long time. Their forests are made ,i 



source of revenue, but all the 1 1 

 are never cut in a single season, 



and planting keeps pace with cut- 

 ting. Scientific forestry is now 

 practiced on aboul i" 1 ',' of the 

 public forests of the I Ihited States 

 and on about 2% of the woodlands privately owned. 

 Only about one fifth of the wooded area of the United 

 States is under government control. New York Si.it.- is 

 taking steps to preserve her forests and also to re-forest 

 large tracts which have been out over (Figures II s 120 >• 



Figure 422. — Seed of Pine. 



