262 



AMERICAN FORESTRY 



Once the slides were stopped, Nature i)romptly re- 

 claimed it, and at one point a forest of spruce, now eight 

 to ten inches ^n diameter, covers the former devastation. 

 Four or five million francs have been expended by the 

 government in all, and although the work has cost lives 

 as well as money, it has not only resulted in the saving 

 of many lives and much property, but has made possible 

 extensive hydro-electric developments throughout the 

 valley. In place of terrific floods alternating with dry 

 stream Deds, a fairly even flow of water, unsupplemented 

 by reservoirs, now furnishes light and power for the 

 town. With further control of the mountain torrents, 

 the development is soon to be extended and not only the 



AN INNOCENT STREAM BUT IT MAY BECOME A 

 RAGING TORRENT 



The construction of a succession of tiny barrages prevents 

 the destructive work of the spring floods which were formerly 

 responsible for heavy losses of earlier plantings. 



branch railroad to Luchon but also the main line from 

 Marseilles to Biarritz across the entire southern portion 

 of France will be electrified. The benefits of afforestation 

 in the high mountains are felt, too, in another way, in 

 that the upper grassy meadows, so rich in food for cat- 

 tle and sheep, are made safe for large scale exploitation. 

 The Chief of the Department of Waters and Forests for 

 this district has made a special study of mountain 

 grasses, and his department is doing a great service to the 

 farmers of France. The time is coming when forestry 

 in America, too, will be enabled to play an even larger 

 part in the development of our country, and it is more 

 than likely that our present Congress will be enabled to 

 pass a forestry bill which will be the first step. 



AN APPRECIATION OF 

 DR. ROTHROCK 



The resignation of Dr. J. T. Rothrock as a member of 

 the Pennsylvania State Forest Commission has been fol- 

 lowed by numerous tributes to his great achievements 

 in forestry and the gratifying results of his devotion to 

 the cause. 



Governor Sproul, of Pennsylvania, in accepting the 

 resignation wrote: 



"Knowing your great interest in the subject and in the 

 Department, which is largely the result of your own far- 

 sighted policies and devoted service, I can but appreciate 

 that the reasons which have actuated you in your de- 

 cision to retire from the Commission are imperative and 

 compelling. 



"Under the circumstances, therefore, I shall accept 

 your resignation, but I beg you to accept my congratula- 

 tions upon the great service which you have rendered 

 the Commonwealth during your long and useful life.. 



"Trusting that you may be spared for many years 

 in good health and contentment, I am, with sincere re- 

 gards." 



The members of the State Forest Commission passed 

 resolutions upon Dr. Rothrock's retirement which said : 



"Resolved, that the Pennsylvania State Forest Com- 

 mission, although knowing well that Dr. Rothrock long 

 ago earned a just reward of peace and quiet found in 

 the calmer sphere of home life, is yet affected with a 

 deep sense of regret and sorrow because of his retirement 

 from public service. His real service in the cause of 

 forest conservation is shown by his devotion to forestry 

 for almost half a century. His vision and courage led him 

 to become an earnest advocate, when others ridiculed, be- 

 littled, remained silent, or retreated. His unbounded en- 

 thusiasm, his prophetic vision, Jiis keen intellect, his un- 

 questionable integrity, and his open heart are responsible 

 for much of the progress that forestry has made. 



Resolved, that the establishment of the Pennsyl- 

 vania Department of Forestry and most of its accom- 

 plishments are directly attributed to the prophetic vision, 

 sound judgment, untiring labors, and generous heart of 

 Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock It was he who laid the 

 foundation of the Department and fashioned the frame- 

 work of the present superstructure. He leaves to his suc- 

 cessors and to the Commonwealth a heritage of service 

 and devotion that is beyond our power to estimate ade- 

 quately and appreciate fully. Endless benefits will flow 

 forth from his life of public service, and faces that have 

 not seen him will bless him. His life of public service will 

 stand as a worthy example to the youth of our land. His 

 achievements are comparable only to the man himself 

 upright citizen, unselfish public servant, distinguished bot- 

 anist, prominent physician, brave soldier, fearless explor- 

 er, Father of Pennsylvania Forestry, cultured gentleman, 

 faithful counsellor, loved and devoted friend." 



