38 THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRITISH FORESTRY 



evident, therefore, that by far the greatest portion of 

 this vast forest region of upwards of 177,800 square miles 

 in area, fit for nothing else, must remain a timber forest 

 for ever, increasing in value as timber becomes more 

 scarce elsewhere ; though capable, nevertheless, of main- 

 taining a sparse but hardy population in comparative 

 comfort by the development of the resources of its mines 

 and of its forests, if cared for and preserved.' It is 

 probable that the same remark might be applied to the 

 greater portion of the total area referred to above, both in 

 North America and Europe, proving that within a few days' 

 sail of Great Britain a forest area covered, more or less, 

 with pit, pulp, and building timber will be available for 

 meeting the requirements of Great Britain for centuries 

 to come, provided regulations against reckless felling are 

 enforced, and protection against fire afforded. In view 

 of the present attitude towards forest conservation 

 generally throughout the civilised world, it is unlikely 

 that forest destruction in Northern Europe or Canada 

 will be allowed to proceed too far. Sweden has already 

 taken steps to prevent the felling of small or immature 

 timber. Russia and Finland have done something in the 

 same direction, and it is practically certain that the ex- 

 ample set by the United States in forming forest reserves 

 will be followed more extensively by Canada sooner or later. 

 Many of the larger timber and pulp wood companies now 

 own vast areas of forest which they have put under 

 more or less systematic management, and the supply 

 from these will probably be maintained, and eventually 

 increased. 



It is more than probable, therefore, that the supply of 

 small coniferous timber from easily accessible countries 

 is sufficient to meet present requirements in these Islands ; 

 while, as regards the future, Canada, Scandinavia, and 

 Russia enjoy natural advantages for the continued produc- 



