38- 

 but rather puts the visitor in strategic position 

 for appreciation of the natural beauties of the country. 

 (Uew York Conservation Gommision Report 1919) . 2Z 



Justification of forest aesthetics . 



Having traced the 'subject to its con- 

 clusion, one may still be confronted with the question 

 of the justification of forest aesthetics. There are 

 many persons who^ looking upon the matter purely in 

 the spirit of sentiment, will be critical of the 

 forest owner for his disregard of the seanic "beauties 

 to which he claims title. In reply to that criticism, 

 one may simply point out that no matter how desirable 

 may be the consideration of aesthetic values in for- 

 estry, divergence from management primarily for 

 revenue involves a certain loss in product, and hence 

 in pecuniary return. The average forest owner 

 naturally, apd properly enough, does not see why it 

 is encumbent on him to stand this loss for the 

 good of the general public. 



The use of a forest for aesthetic enjoyment 

 is, however, perfectly justifiable and may even, for 

 a given area, be the wisest use to which that 

 particular forest can be put. The important point 

 to be kept clear is that if a forest is to be main- 

 tained primarily for aesthetic enjoyment, those who 

 desire this use of it must somehow provide to pay the 

 hill. As far as public forests are concerned, the 



