394 FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 



cultural pursuits. In recent years, the most serious fire seasons 

 have been the early summer of 1903, the late summer and fall 

 of 1908, and May, June, and July of 191 1. 



Educational Work. 



C. — The most important line of forestry work in Vermont 

 at present is the educational work which is being carried on in 

 a number of ways. The state forester addresses granges, clubs, 

 and numerous organizations, and accompanies the commissioner 

 of agriculture on regular institute trips. Forestry exhibits are 

 displayed at the agricultural fairs, and on the "Better Farming 

 Special " trains. 



During the summer, the state forester, in cooperation with the 

 University, maintains a two weeks' school of forestry and horti- 

 culture on the "Downer State Forest" in Sharon. This course 

 is open to boys over sixteen years of age. The object of the 

 school is to teach the farm boys the actual operations in forestry 

 and horticulture, and much of the time is devoted to field work. 



The University of Vermont at Burlington offers several 

 courses in forestry with the aims of teaching the agricultural 

 students enough forestry for their later practice in farm man- 

 agement, and of fitting students for the professional forestry 

 schools. During the winter's short course, several forestry lec- 

 tures are also given the farm boys attending. 



The press of Vermont, including "The Vermonter," the state 

 magazine, has taken an active part in furthering the develop- 

 ment of forestry, and recognizes that the betterment of forest 

 conditions is as necessary to the welfare of the state as good 

 roads and improved methods of agriculture. 



The Vermont Forestry Association was largely instrumental 

 in starting the forestry movement in the state, and still actively 

 assists in arousing interest. 



State Forests. 



D. — While Vermont has not yet adopted any very extensive 

 policy of state forest purchase, it has made a modest beginning 



