108 NEW BRUNSWICK FORESTRY CONVENTION 



These facts then, seem to justify the view that the proper remedy to be 

 -applied to our forests, is to be found in such legislation or in such conserva- 

 tive methods on the part of the lumbermen themselves, as dictated by their 

 own best interests, as shall prevent all cutting below a limit of twelve 

 inches, and thus guarantee permanency in the for*est growth. Such 

 measures are obviously available only in the case of original forest 

 growths, or where the forest has not been severely cut. Beyond 

 this, the remedy must lie with the Government, in systematic 

 efforts for reforestation, which, as already seen, lie altogether beyond the 

 ability of the individual or the corporation to deal with. 



In discussing so important an industry as that now repre- 

 sented, not only by the large mills in actual operation, but also by those 

 which are projected for construction in the immediate future, it is impossible 

 to avoid a consideration of the conditions which exist in the lumber camps, 

 and the relations in which the mills stand to the community in which they 

 are placed, and, from many points of view, these are some of the most inter- 

 esting phases of our subject. 



Anyone who has visited a lumber camp in the depths of a forest, far re- 

 moved from the restraining and elevating influences of even a small com- 

 munity, will readily appreciate the demoralizing forces which constitute an 

 invariable accompaniment of such conditions. 



In 1900 a movement was inaugurated looking to an improvement in the 

 condition of the men gathered in the various lumbering, mining and railway 

 construction camps throughout Ontario. This movement seeks for the 

 operation of a travelling library commission similar to that w r hieh has been 

 in successful operation in the United States, and to secure to the various 

 camps suitable sanitary inspection and medical attendance ; reading and 

 writino- accommodations and instructions. It has received the cordial en- 



O 



dorsation of those who are directly interested in employing labor of this 

 class, and many employers are now taking active measures for the better- 

 ment of their men. Under the intelligent and enterprising guidance of Mr. 

 Alfred Fitzpatrick, who acts as secretary and agent, the Reading Camp 

 .Movement has become an established force wherever a camp is to be found. 



READING ROOM, BOOTH & GORDON'S CAMP 

 Various lumber companies have erected special buildings for the accom- 



