rOEEST UTILIZATION. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The annual produce of forests is the most striking proof 

 of their utility; by its means we are able to satisfy a great 

 number of our wants, and we can never dispense with forest 

 produce, or do so only with the greatest difficulty. 



In earlier times, when forests extended far beyond human 

 requirements and unimpaired natural forces maintained them 

 intact without any artificial assistance, Forest Utilization com- 

 prised the whole art of Forestry. Protection, tending, sowing 

 and planting, were unnecessary ; superabundant supplies of forest 

 produce were available for all possible requirements, and had 

 only to be utilized. This was done for ages, without any regard 

 for economy or for the wants of future generations. 



An utterly wasteful utihzation of forest produce continued, 

 until a wood-famine was impending ; for the demands made 

 by a steadily increasing population on agricultural produce 

 involved the clearance of vast areas of woodland, while the pro- 

 longed maltreatment to which forests were subjected had 

 ■considerably diminished their productiveness. Unfortunately, 

 in many countries, matters have not yet much improved in this 

 respect. If forests are to be maintained, the wood-cutter's axe 

 and the utilization of all forest produce must be brought under 

 control, the forest area densely stocked with trees, and forest 

 utilization subordinated to sylviculture. 



Forest raw material may be utilized in various ways, but its 

 utility will be most fully secured when each product is used for 



VOL. v. B 



Library 

 K. C. State Colleg:^ 



