Beginning with September, 1906, the first class of foresters from 

 the State Forest Academy went into the field, and the second 

 class followed September, 1907. For the purpose of comparing 

 ideas and notes on their work and enabling them to have an 

 interchange of thought, it was deemed advisable to bring them 

 together during the early part of the following year for discus 

 sion of forestal topics and the reading of such papers on pertinent 

 subjects as the men in the field might wish to present or hear dis- 

 cussed. Accordingly, on February llth, 1908, the Commissioner of 

 Forestry issued a call for the first convention of Pennsylvania for- 

 esters to meet at the Department in the new Capitol at Harrisburg 

 on March 4th, 5th, and 6th, ensuing. 



In the meantime, the wishes of the men were learned with respect 

 to what subjects they wished to hear discussed, the program of ex- 

 ercises was prepared, and the meeting duly convened at the Depart- 

 ment, Wednesday morning, March 4, 1908. 



The Commissioner of Forestry presided at the meetings, and at 

 intervals the other members of the State Forestry ^Reservation Com- 

 mission, all of whom were present, were called upon to preside. 



The papers presented by the young foresters are hereinafter con- 

 tained and show that the men were interested in their work and de- 

 sirous of learning whatever will assist them to bring better results. 

 The discussions after the reading of each paper were participated in 

 freely by all present. 



The regular meeting of the Commission was held on Friday morn- 

 ing, March 6th, at which the foresters were present and saw how the 

 business of the Department is conducted. During the sessions, at 

 the invitation of the Governor, a visit was paid to the Executive De- 

 partment where Governor Stuart in a short address welcomed the 

 foresters and gave them some good advice with respect to their con- 

 duct both as men and officials. The Convention adjourned finally 

 on Friday, March 6th, and the feeling of those who participated was 

 that it was not only a successful meeting, but that much valuable 

 instruction had been imparted which would be of permanent use to 

 them in the forestal work of the future. 



