FOREST POLICY. 159 



(a) A federal interest is at stake; the forest problem is an 

 interstate problem ; 



(b) A release of forest taxation should not result in an increase 

 of farm taxation. 



The federal government draws its revenue from indirect taxa- 

 tion. Art I. Sec. 8, of the Constitution provides, that "the 

 Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, and provide 

 for the general welfare of the United States." The general 

 welfare of the United States depends, undeniably, in a measure 

 on the welfare of her forests. 



5. Free advice by the government as to the most remunera- 

 tive way of using a forest (Pinchot's working-plans) ; further, 

 as to the technical qualities of timber (Fernow's timber tests); 

 and finally, as to reforestation on prairies and on abandoned land. 



6. The establishment of public forest nurseries from which 

 plants can be secured at cost price. 



7. Public forest schools and ranger schools, to supply land 

 owners with an efficient staff. 



8. Governmental officering of private holdings with foresters 

 and rangers upon request of owners. 



9. Statistical publications showing the financial possibilities 

 of tree growth on the basis of volume tables, growth tables 

 and yield- tables (see paragraph XLI). 



10. Laws facilitating the formation of stock companies char- 

 tered to practice forestry, and authorizing the formation of county, 

 town, and city forests. 



11. Sale of state forest property, if any, in tracts fit for 

 forestal practice ; or limit-system. 



12. High and permanent import duties on all woodgoods. 



