PREFACE. 



In preparing this work, the author has endeavored to 

 present, in a concise form, a general outline of the subject 

 of Forestry in its most ample relations, without attempting 

 to be exhaustive in any thing. Technical details have been 

 avoided as far as was thought possible; but in mentioning 

 the names of trees and other organic objects, the scientific as 

 well as the common names have generally both been used, 

 chiefly because the latter are often quite uncertain in their 

 application, while the former can never be mistaken when 

 rightly applied, and are alike in the scientific literature of 

 all languages. In noticing the various subjects embraced, 

 care has been taken to mention the economical uses and 

 commercial values that pertain to jhem, and in describing 

 different methods, a preference has been stated whenever 

 it was thought to lead to best results. 



The engravings in this work are chiefly derived from 

 the following sources : Those occupying full pages, and 

 showing details of structure of some of the principal 

 species of Timber-trees, and the laws of development and 

 growth, are from " Der Wald," by E. A. Rossmassler, an 

 approved German author. The engravings showing de- 

 tails of wood structure, are chiefly from " Les Bois," by 

 M. M. Dupont and Bouquet de la Grye, and some of the 

 illustrations of botanical species are from the " Guide du 

 Forestier," by the latter. The figures of insects, and their 

 ravages, are from " Les Ravageurs des Forets," by II. de 

 la Blanchere. Those of Charcoal Kilns, are from the 

 " Journal of the U. S. Asso. Charcoal Iron Workers," and 

 those of Charcoal Meilers, from the American edition of 

 Svedelius' " Handbook for Charcoal Burners." A few of 



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