THE NEW EARTH 



so short a time. As a result of denudation, the 

 snow melts early, the streams are impaired, the 

 summer flow is lessened, farming is made more 

 precarious, and water famines at times are 

 threatened. Where deforestation is most ex- 

 tensive, the streams show the greatest degree 

 of disturbance. All streams on the eastern 

 slope are impaired, particularly Boulder, Clear 

 Creek, Platte River and the Arkansas River. 

 Beyond the range the same condition is rapidly 

 obtaining, — the Dolores, San Juan and Uncom- 

 pahgre in a marked degree. Even the Gunnison 

 and Grand are beginning to show the effects 

 of deforestation. To every thoughtful mind it 

 must be apparent that we are coming face to 

 face with an alarming situation, demanding 

 immediate and energetic action." 



Nebraska has no laws for the purpose of 

 conserving the interests of forestry. It has an 

 Arbor Day, but the observance of this day is 

 not compulsory, although it is strongly urged 

 by precedent and gubernatorial proclamation. 

 This is a prairie state possessing but little nat- 

 ural timber. However, the settlers have been 

 very zealous in the matter of planting trees, 

 and in the eastern half of the state nearly every 



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