340 BOARD OF AGRlCULTURll [P. D.Xo.4. 



afl'ord to bring these lands into productivit}' for the connnon 

 weal. When once well stocked, the sale of mature timber 

 should not only provide for the maintenance of such reser- 

 vations, but shoidd return a net revenue into the treasury 

 of the State. Some of the European governments obtain as 

 much as $4 net per annum from each acre in State forest. 



In addition to their use for tiiidjer production, such reser- 

 vations furnish recreation grounds for the people. This use 

 for recreative purposes under reasonable restrictions is not 

 inconsistent with the production of timber. The arguments 

 which caused the Commonwealth to appropriate $6,380,000 

 for the metropolitan parks and considerable sums for the 

 other State park reservations a})ply in part to the acquisition 

 of State forests. 



The educational efl'ect of Avell-managed State forests is one 

 of their chief advantages. They should, as far as is consist- 

 ent with their economical management, be widely distrib- 

 uted over the State, in order that they may serve as object 

 lessons in practical forestry. 



It is therefore recommended : — 



1. That a fund for the })urchase and maintenance of State 

 forests be set aside. 



2. That revenues from the State forests be added to the 

 fund. 



3. That the State Forester be chari>ed with their i)ur- 

 chase, care and management. 



4. That the State Forester be empowered to accept gifts 

 of land and money for State forests, subject to the approval 

 of the Governor and Council. 



Respectfully submitted, 



ALFRED AKERMAN, 



Stale Foreslcr. 



