PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 73 





PRESERVE THE FORESTS, PROTECT THE BIRDS. 



A casual view from the railway window, or from any prominent point 

 in the older settled states is often very deceptive. The landscape, varied by 

 numerous groves of woodland in the agricultural portions, presents the ap- 

 pearance of extensive, heavily wooded tracts, which upon nearer approach 

 prove to be in most cases only a few remaining inferior growths, mainly of 

 Beach, the more valuable Oak, Ash, Walnut, Hickory, Poplar, etc., having 

 been cleared. 



In the higher mountains, where from the distance there seems to be heavy 

 timber without limit, a closer inspection shows but comparatively few trees 

 of real value, but quantities of brush, scrubby trees and sorts which have no 

 real value in the commercial world. 



The lumberman seeks now in distant regions among the rougher moun- 

 tains for oak that is suitable for quarter sawing, and for woods that are re- 

 quired in manufacturing, while the pine forests are fast disappearing. 



If we would renew these old woodlands, cattle and sheep should be ex- 

 cluded, in order that the young growth may not be destroyed. If the existing 

 trees are not of a valuable character, seeds, nuts and young plants may be set 

 among the growing trees, which probably will give them sufficient protec- 

 tion. If not, the natural conditions of forests should be renewed by mulching 

 with straw or other material, to destroy such grass as forms a turf; by en- 

 couraging the growth of such shrubs and plants as "Nurses," which, by loos- 

 ening the soil with their penetrating roots, shading the ground and mulching 

 it with their leaves, protect the valuable forest seedlings. 



A dense undergrowth should be permitted in order that the evaporation 

 may be reduced to a minimum. 



There should be planted in generous proportion such trees as produce 

 berries and fruits from which birds may obtain a supply of natural food, as by 

 their labors the husbandman is protected from innumerable insect foes. 



Where Imperial Germany imposes the obligation on every land owner 

 that for each tree he shall destroy, another must be planted, thoughtful Amer- 

 icans should impose such duty upon themselves. Societies whose object is 

 the dissemination of agricultural knowledge, might well encourage the plant- 

 ing of trees, and by discussions of the subject of forestry. The press, whose 

 power for good or evil is without a limit, can advance the cause of forest re- 

 newals by bringing the subject frequently before the people. 



Land owners, who for speculation have invested their capital in wooded 



