246 Philosopry of. Botany. 



the immensity of the threatened danger was fully appreciated, 

 and who knew that the coming generations would sorely suf- 

 fer for the faults of the fathers. 



The census reports had meantime given indisputable facts 

 relative to the great losses within the forest region of the ever- 

 recurring conflagrations and the actual amount of lumber 

 culled in successive years. 



A generally better comprehension of the period of time 

 which nature requires, even under tlie most favorable condi- 

 tions, to effect a restoration, and the understanding of the 

 obvious disturbances in such a process in territories unguarded 

 by effective protection against any kind of abuse, soon cre- 

 ated a reaction in public opinion. An agitation which had 

 been started in behalf of an establishment of forest reserva- 

 tions, with national errants, and through provisions enacted 

 by State legislation, soon grew in public favor, and the crea- 

 tion of a National Forestry Association was the first impor- 

 tant result of this movement. 



The National Forestry Association is mainly composed of 

 the membership of the different State Forestry Associations, 

 and holds annual migratory meetings. Nearly every State .in 

 the Union now has such a forest association. 



This work was started and guided along through the un- 

 ceasing labors and invmcible energy of two citizens. The 

 one, Professor B. E. Fernow, the former Chief of the Forestry 

 Division ol the Agricultural Department in Washington, is 

 a native of the Prussian Province of Pommern, a graduate of 

 the Forestry Academy of Munden, who, after having served 

 as a volunteer in the Franco-Prussian War, entered the forestry 

 service (as an aspirant to the higher forestr}^ service). He 

 resigned this position to emigrate to this country. Soon after- 

 wards he was married to an American lady, a woman of great 

 talents and high culture, who, with the fullest apprehension 

 of the worthiness of his intentions, was a devoted and skillful 

 aid to the advancement of his well-conceived plans. Undis- 

 turbed by the change of the different administrations has he. 

 until recently, presided over the Forestry Division of the Agri- 

 cultural Department; but recently (in 18(99) l^^ accepted the 



