PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 335 



FORESTRY LAWS. 



The forestry laws of Mexico have been constructed along French lines and 

 are immeasurably superior to those of the United States. We shall soon have a 

 translation of these laws and give the substance of each. Briefly, the forests 

 are protected by the Government, forest fires are infrequent, and, when they 

 occur, immediate and thorough investigation is made as to the cause, and persons 

 v'ho are guilty of starting fires are severely punished. 



The Government refuses to sell the forest lands, but leases the right to cut 

 timber under official direction. The official brand placed upon a tree must show 

 when timber is exported, else the wood is confiscated. The importance of the 

 forests is recognized in their laws. 



EXPERIMENT STATION. 



An agricultural experiment station is maintained at Mexico City. I visited 

 the buildings and grounds. The location and soil are well chosen. There are 

 many small trees and shrubs, some of great beauty. The stock, mostly Holstein 

 cattle, was very fine. 



The weeping willow seems to be a favorite about the moist lands of Mexico. 

 Jts shade is refreshing, and as a tree it is ornamental : but why grow so many trees 

 which possess no valuable qualities upon land of such high value, when the 

 eucalyptus and catalpa will thrive under the same conditions and produce lumber 

 and timber of the highest value, and yet are equally ornamental for shade ? 



A series of experiments which would illustrate European and American meth- 

 ods in farming, showing various improved implements, and planting a variety 

 of forest trees not common to the country, especially those of high value in 

 manufactures and for economic uses, would be of immense import to the Re- 

 public. 



If to this permanent exhibit American and European manufacturers should 

 send specimens of their wares, with experienced men to operate them and show 

 their use. it would add to their sales and benefit the farmers of Mexico. 



The railways would doubtless bring representative citizens from various por- 

 tions of the Republic, at reduced rates, if not free, for instructions and for 

 observation- 



It would well repay the United States Government to send a number of 

 students from the various colleges to Mexico to learn of her people more of 

 irrigation, of masonry and many things in agriculture, in which Mexico so greatly 

 excel-.. Then- is imt an architect in the United States but could gain some valu- 

 able lt-s>ons in building and in planning structures by a tour of observation 

 through our neighboring Republic. 



On July 18 a messenger from the National Palace brought to Porter's Hotel a 

 letter from President Diaz, inviting me to call upon him on Monday afternoon. 

 I was extremely fortunate in having the acquaintance of Dr. Foid. a gentleman 

 who in addition to being an expert linguist, is also a thorough master of arbor- 

 iculture, having been for many years director of forestry stations in France. Dr. 

 Foid volunteered to accompany me on my visit to the President and to act as inter- 

 preter. 



