FOEESTS 01^ POKTO BICO. 39 



ufacture of charcoal was recognized as the most serious single cause of the forest de- 

 struction which resulted in timber shortage, interruption and impairment of stream 

 flow, soil wastage, damage to valuable agricultural lands through erosion, and shortage 

 in the supply of water for power and other purposes. To remedy this situation the ex- 

 portation of charcoal was prohibited, and stringent measures were adopted to regulate 

 its manufacture, sale, and distribution. Most important of all, however, a forestry 

 association ^ was formed which is supported by the Government. It has not only made 

 a beginning in experimental reforestation, but is working through the schools, the 

 celebration of Arbor Day, and the distribution of foreat-planting stock at cost to 

 arouse public interest in forestry. 



The subject of conserving the forests for then* influence on the 

 water supply has not been without consideration in Porto Rico, 

 since there appears in the "law of waters" this very significant 

 language: "The colonial secretary shall also direct that a study be 

 made of the portions of the basins and watersheds which it is advisable 

 to keep wooded in the interest of a control of the water supply." ^ 

 Like many another good piece of Spanish legislation, it remained legis- 

 lation to the end. It is still, however, a part of the laws of the realm 

 to-day and awaits as formerly official action. So much and more 

 should be undertaken without delay. 



COMMERCIAL ASPECTS. 



In the larger commercial sense the forests of Porto Rico are 

 insignificant. Leaving out of consideration coconuts and coffee, there 

 is not a single article of export which is in any sense a forest product. 

 The forests are, however, of tremendous importance as a source of 

 domestic wood supply. 



Local Timber ^nd Wood Sttpply. 



The estimated present resources of those forest lands capable of 

 yielding saw logs are placed at 96,442,500 cubic feet (1,155,000 cords). 

 Of this amount, however, there are only 4,592,500 cubic feet (27,- 

 500,000 feet, or 55,000 cords) of saw-log size, the great bulk being 

 chiefly suitable for fuel, small house logs, and piling, posts, and the 

 like. There are about 110,000 acres of such lands on which it is 

 believed the average yield will not exceed 876.7 cubic feet (10.5 

 cords) per acre, of which 41.7 cubic feet (0.5 cord) will be found suit- 

 able for saw logs. On another 333,000 acres, comprising small wood 

 and brush lands, including mangrove, the produce consists largely 

 of fuel, house piling, and other small materials, averaging scarcely 

 334 cubic feet (4 cords) per acre. This will add another 111,222,000 

 cubic feet (1,332,000 cords) to the general resources. The total 

 present supply is, therefore, 207,664,500 cubic feet (2,487,000 cords). 



1 "La Societe Martiniquaise des Amios des Arbres" was founded in November, 1909. 



2 Art. 59 of the Spanish law of June 13, 1879, which was extended over Porto Rico by Royal decree of 

 Feb. 5, 1886, and reenacted and amended by the Legislative Assembly of Porto Rico, Mar. 12, 1903. 



