256 Philosophy of Botany. 



the English version of the German term " bestand." They 

 are in no part made up of but one single kind, but of conifers 

 and hardwoods intermingled in very diverse proportions. 



Now. before the extension into this region of extensive rail- 

 road lines and intersections, and the intrusion of numerous 

 forest-destroying mining operations, would yet be an oppor- 

 tunity to secure large and coherent tracts of mountain lands 

 in the virgin state of nature. 



The forest, once destroyed, will within the borders of culture 

 not spontaneously restore itself, as we have learned from ex- 

 perience on the old continent. We also know that artificial 

 reafforestation is a slow process, calling for lifetime energy and 

 expenditure of succeeding generations. Government aid and 

 direction has to be depended on in such operations, which 

 do not yield an immediate compensation. Moreover, the gov- 

 ernment alone can clothe its officials with such authority as 

 will be necessary to protect such territories against destruc- 

 tive inroads. The areas as presently planned, cover the heads 

 of all the water courses flowing west into the valley of East 

 Tennessee. These in their descent, cutting narrow gulches 

 through the rugged mountain masses in grades of several 

 hundred feet from their heads to the flood level of the valley 

 rivers, represent an available amount of energy representing 

 millions of horse power. The continuance of this energy de- 

 pends entirely on the preservation of the forests at their 

 sources. They are the guardians of the industrial life of East 

 Tennessee. Yet another quality peculiar to this region is its 

 unexcelled suitableness for health resorts. The abundant 

 springs draw their cool and limpid waters from silicated or 

 granitic rocks; are free from calcareous, magnesian, or alumi- 

 nous impurities. Ferrugineous springs, on the contrary, are 

 not infrequent. Other blessings are the absence of the mos- 

 quito plague and freedom from malaria. 



As the forests are nearly half and half composed of conifers, 

 the air is charged with balsamic fragrance and richly ozonized. 

 The obnoxious Northwestern gales do not reach over that far 

 East, although they are yet felt on the Cumberland plateau. 

 On the contrary, warm and moist breezes are frequently wafted 

 up from the Caribbean. 



