STATE FOREST PROBLEMS IN MARYLAND 



449 



A DENSE YOUNG STAND OF MIXED HARDWOODS IN NEED OF AN IMPROVEMENT 



CUTTING. 



results of these studies being published 

 in the form of county reports, a num- 

 ber of which will appear during the 

 coming winter as an appropriation of 

 $6,000 has just been made available for 

 this purpose. 



Further investigations are being 

 made as to the rate of growth of the 

 important timber trees and other stud- 

 ies in anticipation of future needs. 

 The idea is to have in the possession 

 of the State such complete information 

 as will enable the forest officials to 

 meet the various questions that are con- 

 stantly coming up in an intelligent man- 

 ner, and without delay. Maryland has 

 placed more emphasis upon this fea- 

 ture perhaps than other States, but to 

 us it seems fundamental and I believe 

 will be fully justified. 



If forestry is to succeed fully, it 

 must be presented in a popular man- 

 ner, so that its principles shall become 

 household words, so x to speak. To ac- 

 complish this necessitates the use of 

 every available means by which it may 

 be introduced to all classes of people. 

 It is primarily a campaign of educa- 

 tion that must be conducted for many 

 years to come. It is particularly im- 

 portant in the beginning. The educa- 

 tional feature of the work takes various 



forms as for example, lectures before 

 various organizations, miscellaneous 

 gatherings, in fact any places or occa- 

 sions where an audience is provided. 

 This will naturally take a wide range 

 possibly from a woman's sewing circle 

 to a legislative assembly. The most ef- 

 fective work is done with Farmers In- 

 stitutes, Farmers Clubs and Granges, 

 because in such meetings there is the 

 direct contact with the progressive 

 woodlot owner. Forestry exhibits at 

 the county fair and other exhibitions 

 is an effective method of reaching 

 many people. Publications bearing on 

 various forestry subjects and calcu- 

 lated to meet specific needs are also an 

 effective means of education. The 

 Maryland law provides for a course of 

 lectures on forestry at the State Agri- 

 cultural College which as supplemen- 

 tary education along agricultural lines 

 is productive of good results. The 

 plan of keeping the newspapers sup- 

 plied with material that they will pub- 

 lish is another educational feature and 

 not to be slighted. In all of the edu- 

 cational work, the important thing is to 

 reach the individual landowner who 

 has it in his own hands to promote or 

 hinder the real progress of forestry and 

 to do this is one of the most difficult 



