23 



be authorized to make practical examinations into the difficulty com- 

 plained of, and, if possible, suggest means by which the loss may be 

 prevented or decreased. 



Another important integer in connection with the disturbed water 

 ilow, caused by forest denudation, it is interesting to note, is the effect 

 of a few accidental cases of the introduction of the common~wTllow 

 as a soil retainer in exposed positions along the lines of the Juniata 

 and other rapid streams of the State. A study of the effect of such 

 planting, the expense of which need not be great, would be of great 

 value, if the retaining of some of the lands of farms along the Juniata 

 which are now annually being deprived of some of the best land by 

 the yearly floods which wash the soil towards the ocean, were taken 

 into consideration. 



The Forestry Commissioner also calls attention to the probable 

 future demands of the wood pulp industry, which will in the near 

 future undoubtedly assume great proportions in our State. At pres- 

 ent we know very .little of the comparative values of the different 

 trees and woods for this purpose. Trees planted quickly assume a 

 value for this purpose, and the State would undoubtedly make a wise 

 investment by a small appropriation to enable the Commissioner 

 of Forestry to obtain and publish practical and reliable information 

 in relation to the comparative value of the different native woods 

 of our State, and especially of those which grow along the large 

 rivers and streams, and publish the information in such a form as 

 would be accessible to those directly interested. It takes no longer 

 to plant, protect and grow a crop of timber which will give the best 

 pulp, than it does to grow the more worthless ki'nds, and we at 

 present have no practical knowledge as to what the proper and best 

 kinds are, but the question could readily be answered by a careful 

 examination made b} 7 the Forestry Commissioner. 



In relation to the wood pulp industry, the Commissioner writes as 

 follows : 



"There are many thousands of acres in Pennsylvania which are now 

 yielding no return whatever, and which might under proper care 

 be made to produce promptly the wood needed to perpetuate this 

 most important industry. Upon this question the people need and 

 are asking for information, especially as to the kinds of wood which 

 will be most suitable for the purpose, and which will at the same 

 time come into the market most speedily." 



