A Decennial Record 173 



sions were most affable, and they frequently addressed us. We in- 

 dulged them. We were good natured. Some of the statements made 

 by these young college men — always good looking and enthusiastic 

 chaps — we poor lumbermen engaged in wallering logs from the 

 swamps envied them, for sure they possessed a degree from some uni- 

 versity as foresters, and, therefore, we solicited their advice — but — 

 some of the proposals made by these young men were interesting at 

 least — but blamed impractical. Frefjuently they indulged in predic- 

 tions as to the financial outcome of our industry; on some occasions 

 they indulged in comments indicating that portions of our industry 

 could fairly be classified as profiteering were w^e to advance the price 

 of our commodity. 



I am free to admit that many lumbermen considered the com- 

 ments of some of these young foresters as right impertinent. I Avish 

 some of these young men, after an experience of some fifteen years, 

 would review their notes of these addresses, and, of course to them- 

 selves, conclude M-hat changes they Avould make in the advice offered 

 at that particular time. 



The evolution was and is as my sugar friend explained — Ameri- 

 can industry can not be conducted upon European principles. The 

 forester's training is by European instruction or its influence upon 

 such instruction. Required — American instructions applicable to 

 American industry. 



I offer a ray of hope. The modern American lumberman while 

 a frontierman of necessity, for timber is only available in such vicini- 

 ties in the main, has himself develo])ed. At least 25 per cent and 

 possibly 40 per cent of the present generation of lumbermen of my 

 acquaintance who are directing a modern lumber business are college 

 men. While sucli training is not of prime necessity to the success of 

 the lumber business, it indicates a ty])e of man whose ])rain is ])resumed 

 to have been afforded an o])portimity to develop. Therefore, these 

 men, usually being ones of influence, should be more receptive to prob- 

 lems required in the advance of our industry. 



Certain activities of this wonderful institution, the Forest Prod- 

 ucts I.,aboratory, are attracting the earnest attention of members of 

 our industry. Being engaged in the commercial side of the lumber 

 business, I hear comments of the most favorable nature, that I fear do 

 not come to the ears of those sincere men engaged in directing this 



