THE TRAINING OF A FORESTER 



The seventh branch has to do with the 

 study, selection, and acquisition of lands 

 under the Weeks law, in accordance with 

 which eight million dollars was appropriated 

 for the purchase of forest lands valuable for 

 stream protection, with particular reference 

 to the Southern Appalachians and the White 

 Mountains of New England. The examina- 

 tion of the amount of merchantable timber 

 on lands under consideration for purchase, 

 the study of the character of the land and 

 the forest, and the survey of the land keep 

 a numerous body of young men very fully 

 occupied. Their task is to see that none but 

 the right land is recommended for acquisi- 

 tion by the Government, that the nature and 

 value of the lands selected shall be most 

 thoroughly known, and that the constant 

 effort to make the Government pay unrea- 

 sonable prices or purchase under unfavorable 

 conditions shall as constantly be defeated. 



102 



