COMMERCIAL FORESTRY 



ing the best results. It is to be hoped that some 

 simple, practical and expedient forest taxation 

 laws may be formulated at an early time. 



The greatest of all needs, however, and we 

 must come back to it as the foundation upon 

 which our whole forestry structure must stand 

 for success, is a well-defined educational system, 

 by which our people may be taught not only 

 to recognize the importance of forestry, but how 

 to get best results from a practical knowledge of 

 the theory and practice combined. 



In conclusion, I would say, let us be wise and 

 farsighted. The Massachusetts and New Eng- 

 land of the future will be what you and I make 

 it. History repeats itself. In the Old World the 

 rise and fall of the Roman Empire had its asso- 

 ciations with commercial forestry. Spain, once 

 the country of equable climatic conditions and 

 beautiful meadows, the native country of the 

 merino sheep and a progressive and prosperous 

 agriculture, has cut down her forests, denuded 

 her mountains ; and what is her present condi- 

 tion? We are told that in Biblical times certain 

 valleys in Palestine were so fertile that they sus- 

 tained and nourished great flocks and herds. 

 Figuratively speaking, these valleys flowed with 

 milk and honey. In those days the cedar of 

 Lebanon and other forest trees were found in all 

 their glory. What sort of a country is Palestine 

 to-day ? Travellers tell us it is dangerous to travel 

 without a guide ; the country is parched, dry and 

 desolate. 



What do we propose for the future of this 



nation or, for that matter, Massachusetts? If 



we are public-spirited, as I believe we are, and 



have a love for our country and Commonwealth, 



15 



