2 THE CULTIVATED EVERGREENS 



standing of evergreens. The forest is their natural habitat. 

 In the open, the trees attain a different character, to be sure, 

 and this character is to be assumed as the one natural to the 

 species; yet the forest has a community character of its own 

 and illustrates the features of close plantation as compared 

 with isolated trees. Both of these adaptabilities of the species 

 should be understood. Moreover, the forest has a place in 

 the association of the human race that must not be overlooked ; 

 and in these later times, when the great forests are constantly 

 receding, we should make a special effort to keep green the 

 memory of the woods. 



THE BACKGROUND OF THE FOREST.— Hosmer 



Among all the trees of the forest, the conifers are the most 

 important from a commercial standpoint. The reason for this 

 is not far to seek. The trees belonging to the coniferous genera 

 — the pines, spruces, firs, cedars, and hemlocks — furnish the 

 material most in demand for construction of all kinds, and also 

 for a great variety of minor uses in which the demand is for 

 strength combined with relative lightness. The so-called 

 "softwoods" are more easily worked and usually are cheaper 

 than are the broad-leaf species, or "hardwoods," at least in the 

 grades suitable for building purposes. It is not strange, then, 

 that in considering the direct economic value of the forests of 

 the United States, those in which conifers predominate are 

 given first place. 



Forests are of use to man in three principal ways: They 

 supply timber, wood, and other forest products. They safe- 

 guard the catchment basins of streams needed for human use 

 and so tend to maintain regularity of stream-flow. Also they 

 serve as centers for many forms of recreation. Forests have a 

 direct rek ion to human health. This is most noticeable in the 



