324 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



Have climatic changes occurred in Mexico which destroyed the forests ? And 

 what caused the change? Or has the destruction of these great forests caused 

 the change and induced aridity? If the former is correct, there can be no rem- 

 edy. All must be left to time and the caprice of nature to effect a change. But 

 if the latter be the true diagnosis, then it is within the power of man to replace 

 these forests and thus secure as favorable conditions as existed before the removal 

 of the trees. 



Spain's history has been one of forest destruction, and her climatic condition 

 and agricultural degeneracy are the result of this indiscretion. Americans have 

 closely followed Spain's footsteps, and the great forests of the United States 

 have been wantonly sacrificed, while the results are daily becoming more apparent 

 in drought and flood. 



With a wiser government than either, Mexico is giving protection to her 

 remaining timber lands, and will, in time, overcome the evils caused by acts of 

 former generations. 



The tropical forests of Mexico occupy the low coast lands and borders of 

 streams at low altitudes. The pine is upon the elevated mountain tracts, while 

 the great area of the Republic, the table lands, are practically bare of valuable 

 timber trees. It is apparent that Mexico has no timber to spare for export. Her 

 forest resources are none too great for home consumption. A limited quantity 

 of mahogany and especially tropical hard woods along the coast will be exported, 

 as it is not available for economic transportation to the interior. 



On the low moist lands a jungle of vines, undergrowth and numerous plants 

 having no commercial importance for wood are growing among the valuable 

 timber trees which are scattered and quite difficult to remove for shipment. 



The pine is not dense as a forest, and while in the aggregate there is a con- 

 siderable quantity it is difficult of access and generally not of the highest quality. 

 Pine lumber sells in the cities at from $20 to $35 per thousand feet. 



The pine which is accessible is being made into lumber and fuel. F>y far too 

 large a quantity of pine is being cut into fuel, as coal is scarce and expensive on 

 account of long distances for transportation. 



Oak is also largely used for fuel for engines. It is not of a character to be- 

 very useful in construction. The trees are short-bodied, the grain twisting and 

 interlocked, is very difficult to work with ordinary tools. The vriety seems to be 

 closely related to the English oak, Qncrctts Robcr. While some of the trees are 

 of fair size, the majority is dwarf and of slight commercial value. Its location, 

 upon mountain slopes with slight moisture, would naturally prevent a vigorous, 

 healthy growth. 



MESQUITE. 



The most numerous of trees upon the table lands is the mesquite. which is of 

 extremely slow growth and seldom attains a diameter of ten inches, with a very 

 short trunk and low head. The wood is heavy, close-grained and durable. When 

 large enough it is sought for and made into cross-ties, although far more is used 

 for fuel, of which great quantities are taken to the railroads for shipment. 



