Such a position is not tenable for anyone who knows the 

 true conditions in the state. There are three distinct classes 

 of land: (1) Lands which are unquestionably agricultural; 

 (2) lands which are just as unquestionably forestal; (3) lands 

 which are of questionable value. 



The first two are easily recognizable, but have never been 

 located definitely on a map. This mapping should be done at 

 once to prevent the location of settlers on forest land which 

 they cannot farm. This is now being done right straight 

 along and resulting in the alienation of the land from the state, 

 the destruction of the forest growth, and the blackening of 

 Minnesota's reputation among prospective settlers. 



The third class needs careful consideration and will never 

 lend itself to anything but a temporary classification for its 

 value depends wholly on economic conditions. Thousands of 

 acres Avhich are capable of supporting good agricultural crops 

 are totally without market facilities and will be for forty 

 years to come through lack of transportation. In other cases 

 the soil is so poor that the necessary intensive methods of 

 cultivation are impossible and will continue impossible for 

 many years. While these lands are awaiting the necessary 

 economic development to make them available for agricul- 

 ture they should be used for forestry. There will be time 

 for the harvesting of one crop of trees at least and in many 

 instances will be devoted to forests always. 



It is simply a question of utilizing what we have for the 

 purpose to which it is best adapted. The farming of non- 

 agricultural land means the loss of timber and the failure of 

 the farmer. 



