178 Canadian Forestry Journal 



But I am supposed to confine my remarks in some degree 

 at least to the subject in hand, and permit me to say that utiUty 

 of forest growth is too frequently regarded only for the monetary 

 value of the product it produces, in other words the timber 

 product. Valuable as this is, it is by no means the only, perhaps 

 not the main or chief benefit it confers. Imagine what would 

 be the condition of this Province if by some dreadful catastrophe 

 the whole forest covering of those hills and valleys were swept 

 out of existence. 



The spring floods would then descend the mountain sides 

 in such force as to carry away the gravel from above and deposit 

 it over the now fertile valley land. Such floods as you have 

 occasionally experienced on the Fraser and other streams, would 

 become of annual occurrence. This prodigal waste of water 

 would be followed shortly after by summer droughts rendering 

 agriculture unprofitable if not impossible. 



The miner would soon find it unprofitable to continue his 

 operations, owing to the want of timber and water, both of which 

 are necessary for his work. This is no fancy picture of what 

 would be the result. It can be seen to-day in the lower Alps 

 in eastern France as well as in certain parts of every country 

 bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, and in other parts of the 

 world. 



Every one who has come over the mountains on the Cana- 

 dian Pacific Railway, must have been struck with the great 

 destruction that forest fires have caused along the route. The 

 greater part of this was done during the construction of the road, 

 but even since then, the annual loss during the dry summer 

 months, continued until a few years ago, when a system of patrol 

 was established along the railway belt by the Dominion Govern- 

 ment. The result of having such a system speaks for itself, 

 suffice to say that during the past five years since the present 

 system was established, very little valuable timber has been 

 destroyed. If we compare the loss before this work was begun 

 with what little has taken place since, or with what has occurred 

 on any similar area of unguarded territory, I believe it will be 

 found that the cost involved has repaid itself a hundred fold, 

 and I hope that the public of this Province will stand by the 

 Provincial Government in any efforts it may make in the same 

 direction. I am glad to know that a beginning has already been 

 made by a small appropriation b}^ the Provincial Legislature for 

 such a service, but it should be increased at least ten fold to be 

 at all effective over such a wide district. But the Government 

 can only act so far as the public will permit as represented by 

 the members of the Legislature. 



The people of this Province should not only commend, but 

 demand immediate action to lessen, as far as possible, the annual 



