CHAPTER I. 



THE IMPORTANCE OF FORESTRY. 



FOKESTS are, in the economy of man and of Nature, of direct 

 and indirect value ; the former through their products, and 

 the latter through the influence which they exercise upon 

 climate, the regulation of moisture, the stability of the soil, 

 the healthiness and, last but not least, the artistic beauty 

 of a country. I shall commence by offering a few remarks 

 upon the more important indirect effects. 



1. The ^Esthetic Effect of Forests. 



This is an aspect which plays a great part in the case of 

 most of the woodlands at present existing in this country. 

 Just compare the difference of feeling created, even in the 

 mind of the most realistic person, on passing through a bare 

 country side, without a tree for miles around, and on wandering 

 through a country where fields and meadows alternate with 

 inviting woodlands, especially on a warm summer day. It 

 is no wonder, therefore, that we find in most parts of this 

 country fine parks and artistically placed woodlands, which 

 render Britain so beautiful and attractive. It is a subject 

 which has been repeatedly dealt with, and upon which a good 

 deal more can be said. On the present occasion only the 

 influence which forests have upon the physical and moral 

 development of the people shall be mentioned. By developing 

 a taste for the beauty of landscape, forests greatly contribute 

 towards the peace and contentment of mind of the dwellers 

 in the country, and help to counteract the unwholesome fever 

 of emigration to the big to\vns. 



