ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE. 



Trees and Forests. 



Introduction. 



The topic of Trees and Forests was not included in the list of 

 subjects given in the pamphlet issued by the Department of Public 

 Instruction on the Introduction to the Teaching of Elementary 

 Agriculture, but it is deemed of enough importance, and is thought 

 to have enough content to warrant its introduction into some of the 

 schools of the State as a special topic for study in the higher ele- 

 mentary grades. Its publication would be justified alone in its 

 bringing to the attention of the future citizens of the State some 

 of the work which is being done by the New Jersey Forest Com- 

 mission for the preservation and propagation of our forest lands. 



The Secretary of this Commission, Mr. Alfred! Gaskill, has pre- 

 pared a monograph which is presented herewith. It is so full of 

 suggestions for teachers and pupils that no extended introduction 

 need be written to guide teachers who wish to introduce this topic 

 of study. 



Unlike such subjects as Vegetable Growing, Corn Growing and 

 other purely agricultural projects, the study of Trees and Forests 

 does not permit of very much individual initiative on the part of 

 the child. 



The life of a tree extends over so many years that the school 

 can usually superintend only the planting and the first year or two 

 of its growth, but it is hoped that some children who study about 

 trees in school may be inspired to continue their interest in forestry. 



Many educators now believe that the public schools in the higher 

 elementary grades should present to the pupils some view of the 

 different human activities. The profession of forestry is still in its 

 infancy and the economic needs of our State alone will provide 



