METHODS OF FOREST POLICY. 247 



ment of forestry must prove to be in a timbered 

 state like Indiana. 



In Pennsylvania, according to a legislative act 

 of 1897, the owner needs to have only 50 trees to 

 the acre, which must, however, measure at least 

 8 inches in diameter 6 (!) feet above ground ; as 

 long as he keeps these in sound condition, in "con- 

 sideration of the public benefit to be derived from 

 the retention of forest and timber trees," he is to 

 have 80 per cent of the tax on such lands refunded, 

 provided that this be not more than 45 cents per 

 acre and that no more than 50 acres are entitled to 

 such release. From this last restriction one would 

 suppose that a larger acreage would not be a pub- 

 lic benefit; one fails also to see the rationale of 

 the other measurements and numbers required, 

 nor is it apparent what benefit to the public any 

 50 acres with 50 trees to the acre without special 

 reference to its location might bring. 



The timber culture acts of the federal govern- 

 ment, which had in view the amelioration of cul- 

 tural conditions in the treeless territory of western 

 prairies and plains, a very proper concern of gov- 

 ernment, conferred title to 160 acres or smaller 

 amounts of the public domain, if 40 acres or a 

 proportionate smaller acreage was set out to trees. 

 The crude provisions of the law and lack of proper 

 supervision led to its abuse, and the results have 

 been mostly disappointing, leading to the repeal 

 of the law in 1891. 



