106 



four-fifths of this vast volume of water, instead of soaking into the 

 ground to slowly percolate into the streams of the Allegheny Valley 

 and to aid in maintaining an even flow of water, was allowed to run 

 hastily from the surface, into the streams and out of the country. If 

 it did not create a freshet it was, at least in great part, wasted. It 

 was, in other words, so much power rendered unproductive and carried 

 beyond our reach. 



It may be that the estimate of Colonel Torrelli is too large. Any 

 authority quoted approvingly by Major Raymond is, however, likely to 

 be as nearly correct as the science of his time allows. We are content 

 to state the case, and without insisting upon these figures, to stand 

 positively upon the principle which they indicate. 



The real, practical point for those interested in the future of that re- 

 gion is to determine for themselves where this progressive loss of 

 power is to end. 



Is there any probable benefit to be expected in the way of preserva- 

 tion of this water, with the power it implies, by restoration of forests 

 on land, otherwise barren, at the heads of the streams? 



If so, is it not supreme folly to delay such restoration an hour longer 

 than necessary? 



If forests are not restored to this barren ground, to what other use 

 will it be put? 



Can any State afford to have any portion of its areas unproductive? 



Do not barren areas reduce the income of a State by depriving it of 

 the revenue it otherwise should yield? 



There are two stages more or less clearly defined in the history of 

 every reform movement. One that of agitation, and the other that of 

 actual operation. It appears to be certain that in this State the 

 second stage has been reached. 



The forestry operations commenced some years ago by the custo- 

 dians of the Girard estate in Schuylkill county appear to be in a pros- 

 perous condition, and those under the same management in Centre 

 county are yielding object lessons of great value in protection against 

 forest fires. The most notable advance in a practical direction is 

 that made near Ridgway, in Elk county, where on land generously 

 provided by Mr. N. T. Arnold, the general government has undertaken 

 the work of conducting an experimental forestry plantation. This 

 work was commenced with the full knowledge and consent of your 

 Commissioner of Forestry, between whom and Mr. Fernow, in charge 

 of the Forestry Division in the Department of Agriculture, in Wash 

 ington, there exists a perfect understanding and a hoarly sympathy. 

 It is but fair that it should be under direct control of the general gov- 

 ernment. The location in 1he heart of what was once the lumbering 

 region of Pennsylvania, is most fortunate, and important results may 

 be hoped for from the experiment. A liberal public spirit would wel- 

 come all help of this kind from any source whatever. 



