No. 4.] REPORT OF STATE FORESTER. 281 



dations in the various countries than I did. I was interested in 

 observing that while forest insects seem scarce, fruit insects and 

 diseases seem relatively more numerous and destructive. 



One tiling that impressed the writer from a forestry standpoint 

 was the definite system of management that prevailed, particu- 

 larly in Belgium and Germany. With these countries their for- 

 estry is so reduced to definite rotations of tree crops, with com- 

 paratively few species, that the problem is a simple one. Our 

 forestry conditions in IMassachusetts, with the great variety of 

 species, to say nothing of the varying ages and quality of the 

 products, become conglomerate, showing a woeful lack of sys- 

 tem in comparison. Wlien we think of the Black Forest of Ger- 

 many, we at once rightly associate it with spruce and fir, in the 

 growing of which a great many depredations are eliminated, as 

 neither the gypsy nor the brown-tail moth has to be considered, 

 as neither attacks them. The beech forests, again, are quite 

 another type, and hence their management, depredations, etc., 

 require different treatment. In America it behooves us to estab- 

 lish similar policies, and thereby reduce silvicultural endeavors to 

 systems that in themselves can be more easily and simply under- 

 stood and handled. 



In Belgium, the large national forest practically surrounding 

 the city of Brussels was visited, and some time was spent in look- 

 ing over the government's arboretum and nurseries, where most 

 of our American species of trees are growing. It was like meeting 

 old friends. Some of them seemed happy, while others were 

 apparently more or less homesick. 



In Switzerland my time was too short to make any extended 

 trips, but in passing, a compliment should be given the Swiss 

 foresters for the splendid results they have accomplished under 

 many adverse conditions. 



In Germany, several tramps were taken into the forest, sections 

 of which w^ere teeming with, material for valuable observations 

 and experiences. At Neustadt, Oberforester Wilder showed me 

 every attention possible, and particularly emphasized his troubles 

 as well as his successes. I was enabled here to see every phase of 

 forestry work, from planting and nursery work through to the 

 finished milled product. At Frankfort, Oberforester Fleck and 

 Dr. M. Nassauer were particularly kind in showing me the forests 



