125 



We have in one sense recognized the co-operative element in exempt- 

 ing from seizure "any land by any corporation created for the purpose 

 of the preservation of forests!" 



It is therefore suggested that it would be wise if the Commissioner 

 of Forestry were authorized to secure tracts for the State which were 

 from any reason specially valuable to it, provided that the price paid 

 should not exceed the assessed value of the lands and that the pur- 

 chase be made with the knowledge and consent of the Governor and 

 of the Board of Property of the State, which consists of the Attorney 

 General, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Secretary of In- 

 ternal Affairs. It would appear as if under such protection to the 

 Commonwealth it would be advantageous to so enlarge the powers of 

 the Commissioner of Forestry as to enable him to secure for the Com- 

 monwealth other lands than those which were sold for the non-pay- 

 ment of taxes. 



THE WOOD PULP INDUSTRY. 



Though of recent origin this bids fair to be one of our most import- 

 ant industries. Looking at the possibilities it would appear as if they 

 were almost infinite. The one condition upon which most depends is 

 an adequate supply of the raw material. Unfortunately this cannot, 

 so far as Pennsylvania is concerned, be regarded as assured under 

 present conditions. On the other hand, there is no reason why, under 

 proper encouragement, the State should not continue indefinitely to 

 produce each year vast quantities of suitable material for the pulp 

 industry. 



It was hoped during last season to have undertaken an investiga- 

 tion of the various problems connected with the future supply of pulp 

 wood by Pennsylvania. But the pressure of work prevented, and it is 

 on the list for 1899. This should include, first of all, a study of the 

 kinds of wood 'best fitted for pulp making, whether these be native 

 here, or introduced. Examination should also be made into the best 

 methods of planting and raising such wood, the length of time re- 

 quired before it becomes ready for use, and the soils best adapted to its 

 growth, as w T ell also as the kinds of soil, if such there be, where it will 

 grow,, and upon which other valuable timber cannot be raised. 



It should also be remembered that the pulp wood manufacturer can 

 utilize wood long before it becomes valuable to the lumberman, and 

 that he can use to advantage wood of a quality so inferior in length of 

 stem that it never would have a value at the saw mill. 



The facts indicate that we have a large area in Pennsylvania which 

 should at the earliest possible hour be devoted to the growth of pulp 

 wood, because it is now raising no crop of value and because also, 

 the demand for this product is certain soon to exceed the supply. The 

 urgency of this subject is well illustrated by the fact that the manu- 

 facturers of pulp are already pronounced advocates of scientific for- 



