54 THROUGH CANADA 



Douglas pines rise in towering height into the blue 

 dome of Heaven, some of the finest specimens of 

 trees in the world's arboretum. Algonquin Park 

 once held them even as the valley of the Selkirks 

 and the fertile soil on the shores of the Pacific. But 

 the lumber merchant's axe rang out the death of 

 these gaints, and the Ontario Park knows them 

 no more. Canadian foster-parents in their early 

 struggles had to pawn their household effects in the 

 interests of their infant prodigy. That the end 

 justified the means there is probably no question, 

 but the price was a terrible one. In honour to the 

 Government, let it be said that their reports make 

 the admission, and active steps have been taken to 

 remedy the evil as far as possible. A Commission of 

 Conservators was appointed in 1909 to deal with the 

 ** Conservation and better utilization of the natural 

 resources of Canada." The first report, 19 10, has 

 been laid before Parliament. In this the question 

 is raised ; " Can our forests be conserved and 

 perpetuated, and can waste lands denuded of forest 

 growth and unsuited for agricultural purposes be 

 re-forested and make a source of value to the State ^ 

 The question is answered in the aflfirmative. That 

 the Ontario Government is alive to the situation is 

 shown in the steps it has just taken. The rights of a 

 large lumber company were purchased last year at a 

 cost of ;C5 8,000. The importance of the transaction 

 will be understood, when it is added that the 



