The Economic Value of Forests 33 



tion, and much of the timber had to be destroyed. 

 A great deal was wantonly wasted. 



To-day, we recognize the value of trees and 

 strive hard to save and care for the forests which 

 remain, in order that they may aid and prosper 

 the people of the future. 



The value of the forests in the development 

 of the manhood of our country cannot be over- 

 estimated. Had the early settlers found a land 

 prepared for the plow, houses and cities ready 

 built and waiting to be occupied, the American 

 people would never have acquired the hardiness 

 and strength of character which have made 

 America so great a nation. 



"He who plants a tree, plants a hope," says an 

 American poet. 1 And an English essayist 2 adds, 

 "A man does not plant a tree for himself, he 

 plants for posterity. And, sitting idly in the sun, 

 I think at times of the unborn people who will, to 

 some extent, be indebted to me. Remember me 

 kindly, ye future men and women." 



1 Lucy Larcom. * Alexander Smith. 



STORY OF THE FOREST -3 



