THE MISSION OF EUCALYPTUS 339 



time indefinite the tree stumps will re- golden state has the monopoly of con- 

 produce and each growth is superior to ditions favorable for the extension of 

 the ones preceding. It is said that the the cultivation of eucalyptus, placing 

 eucalyptus never dies a natural death. her in the enviable position, if she im- 

 The eucalypts rival the garden weeds proves them, of supplying the United 

 in their rapidity of growth ; and they States with hardwood that, too, with- 

 compete favorably with the hardwoods out a long wait of years, 

 in strength, beauty, and texture. For The value of a tree depends on its 

 every purpose for which wood is used, adaptability to the use to which it is 

 the eucalypts meet the demand. They put. Surely, a tree in whose trunk are 

 may serve as forest blankets to cover stored the products which keep a great 

 hills and mountains, to conserve the portion of the industrial world revolv- 

 moisture, to save the soil, to provide ing, has proved its adapability. The 

 warmth and shelter from winds, and, study of the trees made by the national 

 while performing these duties, the trees and state governments has been ex- 

 are becoming invaluable for lumber and tensive, and the reports issued, in favor 

 timber supply. of the eucalyptus industry, have led to 



In spite of the critical and skeptical liberal planting. 



ideas concerning eucalyptus dssemi- The maximum period of careful cul- 

 nated by those who have not taken the tivation required by the eucalyptus is 

 trouble to investigate with a view of two years. After that the tree goes into 

 determining the truth or falsity of ex- partnership with itself and stores its 

 travagant statements, the fact remains crop values with the owner absent or 

 that the eucalypts are the missionaries present. Reasonable judgment in 

 that will reforest our country, for the planting is sure to be rewarded with 

 current time and for futurity. astonishing profits. The drawbacks 

 The state and the nation are awake that usually attend new industrial ven- 

 ancl rubbing their eves to the possibili- tures are conspicuously absent in the 

 ties of eucalyptus. The value of the cultivation of eucalyptus, unless at- 

 trees for forest purposes in this coun- tempts are made to grow the trees tin- 

 try was practically unknown until re- der exceptionally unfavorable condi- 

 cent years. True to its botanical name, tions. Then toleration and patience are 

 which means "well concealed," the eu- needed to stem a crisis or failure. Un- 

 calyptus has reserved its qualities, it der half-way encouraging conditions, 

 would seem, until a period in which the industry is capable of practical man- 

 they could be fully appreciated by the agement and becomes profitable. The 

 country which they have come to future will see few barren hills or tree- 

 convert, less deserts, for the towering eucalypts, 

 Eucalypts grow the most rapidly of with their blue-green foliage, will cover 

 any hardwood timber trees in the world, the unsightly and monotonous wastes. 

 With only this quality to back them, Exaggerated statements have been 

 they are invaluable in use to replenish made concerning the profits to be de- 

 the land devastated by forest slaughter, rived from eucalyptus growing. These 

 besides acting indirectly as the agents are spread through ignorance, for a 

 of good soil, moisture conservers, and brief acquaintance with the tree and its 

 exercising a perpetual climatic influence, habits shows any one that it is not nee- 

 California has been especially hon- essary to overstate truths that are al- 

 ored by this imported tree, for outside most exaggeration in their veracity, 

 of its native environment, eucalyptus "By their fruits ye shall know them." 

 reaches its fullest and most satisfactory Millions of these trees not yet planted 

 development in this state. For years and others not yet sprouted will be 

 she played with this treasure, not know- ready proof of their value inside of ten 

 ing that through its cultivation she is years or less. 



likely to become the forestry angel of To the golden state the culture of the 



the nation. Of all the southwest, the eucalyptus means more than its gold 



