CHAPTER IX 



THE PROBLEM OF MAINTAINING THE 



CLIMAX 



In previous chapters we have seen how maladjustments arise in 

 natural communities due to the fluctuations of climate, the behavior 

 of lower animal populations, or the occasional violence of internal 

 earth forces. We have seen how these unbalances immediately set in 

 motion the natural reactions which, in leisurely but sure fashion, 

 restore the balance and usually the climax. Such maladjustments are 

 not in themselves problems. 



A problem can exist only in the consciousness of an intellect 

 capable of perceiving abstract relationships which is an obstuse way 

 of saying that if we don't know there is a problem, there isn't one. 



Is There a Problem? To make certain that there is a point to this 

 discussion, and to supplement casual observation, let us list on a 

 national scale some of the ecological disasters which have befallen 

 us. These disasters, be it noted, are man-induced and man-aggravated. 

 They first should be man-repaired ; and in the future, man-prevented. 

 This requires research into, and understanding of, natural law on the 

 landscape, followed as quickly as possible by application of such 

 knowledge. Already, we know much more than we apply. Securing 

 such application is a problem in education and statesmanship. 



FIG. 46. Water hauling' is a symptom of a diseased landscape. The drying 1 up of 

 spring's, and wells, and streams rarely occurs where adequate vegetation covers 

 the land. Such water-lack usually indicates too much runoff, not enough soak-in. 



