FORESTRY FROM A COMMERCIAL STANDPOINT. 99 



sheep and a progressive and prosperous agriculture, has cut down 

 her forests, denuded her mountains, and what is her present con- 

 dition ? We are told that in biblical times certain valleys in Pales- 

 tine were so fertile that they sustained and nourished great flocks 

 and herds, figuratively speaking these valleys flowed with milk 

 and honey. In those days the cedar of Lebanon and other forest 

 trees were found in all their glory. What sort of a country is 

 Palestine today? Travelers tell us it is dangerous to travel with- 

 out a guide, the country is parched, dry, and desolate. 



What do we propose for the future of this nation or for that 

 matter Massachusetts? If we are public spirited, as I believe 

 we are, and have a love for our country and commonwealth we 

 will awake to our responsibility ere it is too late. 



Instead of following the example of countries like those mentioned 

 let us emulate the example of Germany, where modern forestry is 

 practiced successfully. Then and only then can we feel proud in 

 believing we have done our full duty toward the forest interests 

 of our native land. 



Discussion. 



W^ilfred Wheeler asked the lecturer if he had ever tried the ex- 

 periment of seeding directly upon the land instead of transplanting 

 the seedlings. 



Prof. Rane replied that he had tried this method and sometimes 

 with good results, but it was wasteful of seed. It would take five 

 povmds of seed to the acre in this way, and with seed costing 13.75 

 per pound, it was rather expensive for the results obtained. The 

 transplanting of two-year-old seedlings was a much better plan. 



Duncan Finlayson asked if the figures shown in the diagram 

 were taken from actual experience, and also inquired if there was 

 any way of exterminating the pine weevil which in some localities 

 was doing serious injury by destroying the topmost branches of 

 young white pines. 



Prof. Rane answered in regard to the first question that the 

 estimates and figures given in his chart were based upon practical 

 conditions and were conservative rather than otherwise. Con- 

 cerning the pine weevil he said there was no cause to be alarmed 



