FORESTRY 263 



Uses of Forests. National forests are first of all for the benefit 

 of the home builder, and their resources are protected and used for 

 his special welfare. They protect the trees and grow wood for 

 use. Hundreds of millions of feet of timber are sold from the 

 national forests every year, but the cuttings are made so carefully 

 that the stand of trees is left in condition for successive crops. 

 One good use of the national forests is to save every drop of water 

 and make it available for use. They conserve the moisture result- 

 ing from snow and rain and keep it from being wasted. On a 

 barren, hard surface the water from many storms rushes down the 



Lumbering, Washington. 



slopes, washing away the soil, causing sudden floods and untold 

 damage; while on a porous, spongy surface it runs down slowly 

 and brings about an even flow of water throughout most of 

 the year. 



In irrigation farming, it is very necessary to have an even 

 flow of water throughout the year, especially during the growing 

 season. The forest cover, with its network of roots, fallen leaves, 

 and branches, prevents the soil being washed away by heavy 

 rains. The foliage of the forest in a measure breaks the force 

 of the rainfall in heavy downpours, and thus lightens the effects of 

 erosion and allows the water to seep into the soil. Another benefit 

 from the national forests is that they provide range for live stock 



