51 



individuals in tree planting, both through the giving of advice 

 and by the supplying of actual plant material. This work is of 

 much practical importance and should be continued, but for 1913 

 the forest needs of the Territory are first and essentially the bet- 

 ter protection of the native forst. While there is yet time let 

 us here in Hawaii "conserve the foundations of our prosperity." 



SUMMARY. 



During the past two years the activities of the Division of For- 

 estry have followed in general the program laid down when for- 

 est work was systematically begun in this Territory ten years ago. 

 Four new forest reserves have been added to the chain extending 

 through the islands and three of the older reserves have been in- 

 creased in area. Most of the necessary field work preliminary 

 to the technical reservation of the remaining forest areas that it 

 is proposed to add to the forest reserve system has been com- 

 pleted. Measures looking to the maintenance in good condition 

 of the native forests, particularly those set apart as forest re- 

 serves, have been forwarded. Tree planting on government land 

 and by private owners has received a decided impetus through 

 the activities of this Division. The giving of advice on various 

 forest matters has been continued and has met a hearty response 

 from those benefitted. Additional information has been secured 

 concerning the value locally of trees of economic importance new 

 to the Territory. And through the forest fire service, protection 

 has been afforded against that danger. Altogether the years 1911 

 and 1912 have seen a marked advance both in the status of for- 

 estry in Hawaii and in results actually accomplished. 



The important thing now is to treat what has already been 

 done merely as an incentive for better efforts in the future and 

 to press on toward the goal of all forest work the wise use of 

 the forest for the continuing good of all the people. 



STAFF. 



During the past biennial period the staff of the Division of For- 

 estry has consisted of the Superintendent of Forestry (Ralph S. 

 Hosmer) and the Forest Nurseryman (David Haughs). Until 

 September, 1911, Mr. Joseph F. Rock was also a member of 

 the staff, under the title of Botanical Assistant. He was then 

 transferred to the faculty of the College of Hawaii, but as an 

 honorary officer of the Board his name is still carried on the rolls 

 as Consulting Botanist. 



Certain changes among the District Fire Wardens are indi- 

 cated in a revised list of these volunteer officials of the Board 

 that appears elsewhere in this volume. 



