FORESTER'S REPORT. 61 



soils and though the land is often given over to neglect, that con- 

 dition is temporary only. Every acre of agricultural land will be 

 needed before any planted trees could reach maturity. Moreover it 

 would be foolish to plant a forest on cleared land when other land 

 with a forest already started can be bought nearby for less than the 

 cost of planting. 



Forestry in New Jersey does not exclude tree planting but 

 subordinates it to fire control, to the development of existing 

 forests, to agricultural needs. 



The Forest Commission would like to be informed of the loca- 

 tion and character of all forest plantations in the State in order 

 that they may be recorded and become available for silvicultural 

 studies. 



STATE FOREST RESERVES. 



The State reserves have not been increased in area but are 

 steadily growing in value a proof that even the most degraded of 

 our woodlands can and will revive uncl^r simple protection and 

 reasonable care. It sounds well to announce that a State is ac- 

 quiring a great area of public forest, yet, unless the property is 

 actually improved by passing from private to public ownership, 

 the advantage to the people is nothing. Indeed the only justifi- 

 cation for assuming control is that the State will do what the in- 

 dividual does not and will develop the forest for public advantage. 

 New Jersey's Forest Commission is therefore wise in holding to its 

 decision to create forest reserves only when they can be used to 

 advance the understanding and practice of forestry by private 

 owners. In general this end will be gained by numerous small 

 reserves, so located that their good condition and careful manage- 

 ment will inspire woodlot owners and forest owners to do the right 

 thing with their own. Mount Laurel reserve is the ideal see 

 page 64, and an effort is now making to secure othe suitable 

 tracts. 



PURCHASE OF RESERVES. 



This argument in no sense precludes the acquisition of other 

 lands having especial value. Thus this year the legislature was asked 

 for, and made, an appropriation to buy 70 acres lying in an angle 

 of Bass River Reserve. The land was offered at a low price and 

 its purchase would round out the State lines. Unfortunately the 



