UTAH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 51 
and will continue to do so where the agricultural value 
promises permanency. That an attempt may be made to 
cultivate forest land which cannot have permanent agri- 
cultural value is a danger not altogether impossible, the 
Jack Pine Plains of Central Michigan may be given as an 
illustration. There may be seen whole communities with 
schools and churches completely deserted. They were pros- 
perous for a time but when the first flush of fertility of the 
soil had gone, it was impossible to get sufficient returns 
and abandonment was compelled. This land had also once 
borne a splendid forest which might now under forest 
management be a constant source of revenue instead of an 
unproductive waste. 
This problem is confused by a short sighted public 
opinion. There is some danger that the forest area of a 
community may shrink unduly before a keen demand for 
land of any kind. Where the agricultural value remains 
permanent, there is a gain on that side. But where the 
forest is merely destroyed without creating permanent 
agricultural values, there is an economic waste. | The solu- 
tion lies in securing a better understanding by the public of 
the value of forests; and in a liberal policy where the land 
is of unquestioned farm value. The border line between 
land which should be used for forest purposes and that 
which should be released to agricultural use, is different 
in different localities and varies with the development of 
communities and of new methods. For instance, dry farm- 
ing in some sections has changed the balance to the agri- 
cultural use. Therefore to devise a just and consistent 
policy in the proper use of land will require constantly 
more specific information and will tax the resources and 
ingenuity of administrative officers. 
UTILIZATION. 
Forest products are very wastefully used throughout 
the country, due to the supposed inexhaustible supply. 
There is incomplete utilization in the woods and through 
the mill with carelessness in handling and shipping. Only 
the best parts of the trees are used and this wasted in the 
