The Value of Forests 9 



prices has an unpleasant suggestion of failing supply. 

 Rumors of exhausted timber limits and the sight of miles 

 on miles of treeless waste where once were magnificent 

 forests have tended to lessen our sense of security, and 



Courtesy Forestry Branch, Interior Depl. 



FIG. 2. Douglas Fir Timbers for Use in Toronto, Ont., Harbor 

 Construction. 



many are now wondering whether we have not over- 

 estimated our supply of timber, and whether or not we are 

 taking proper care of what remains. 



To reckon the value of anything, we may estimate either 

 the service it renders or its price in money. The former is 

 not an easy thing to do, as we have no common standard 

 of service. Without attempting to be exact, let us try 

 to feel the measure of satisfaction we get from things made 

 of wood. Let us imagine, if we can, what our condition 

 would be if suddenly all wood ceased to exist ; if all wood 

 and things made from wood, without the agency of fire or 

 decay, should suddenly vanish. On this continent a very 



