xvi THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



the present unreasonable freightage dues need readjustment that the 

 trade be not strangled. 



It was seen during the European war how effective definite Govern- 

 ment propaganda could be when it was necessary to enlighten the public 

 upon matters which concerned its interest. This weapon, through the 

 schools and in the press, could well be used for the benefit of essential 

 industries. As an illustration of such wise action of the State, might be 

 mentioned the fact that in America, in Australia, in Norway and in 

 Portugal, the school children are taught to plant sapUngs in order that 

 the timber supplies of these countries may not fail. In addition to 

 protecting the industry and enlightening the public to its true interests 

 in the matter, the Government should take every opportunity to encourage 

 and foster it by providing information and advice in the form of wise 

 forestry regulations. Such a policy has made a model to us of the forestry 

 of France, Germany, Hungary and other countries. We cannot wish to 

 see the number of our woodland areas decrease, when we realise the national 

 and, indeed, the imperial importance of a fully sufficient reserve of timbered 

 land. As far as may be reconciled with economic principles, the denuded 

 areas should be re-planted and fresh trees introduced. 



So much for the material and economic aspect of the subject of timber. 

 From an aesthetic point of view it is full of attraction. The proud tops 

 of the pine and the larch which clothe the northern and the western hills 

 add to their sombre beauty, while the more intimate loveliness of the 

 lowland coppices and stately parks, with their " firs and ashes, oaks and 

 elms, the poplars and the cj^resses," has given the poets inspiration for 

 delicate imagery. To know something of the description and the uses of 

 these famiUar trees, as well as of the woods of more exotic beauty from 

 the dark forests of India and Burma, from the sun-drenched islands of 

 the eastern seas, from South America and from Africa ; — ^their marvellous 

 diversity of colour, their exquisite scents, and the strange glamour of 

 their very names, is to gain a new and never-palling interest in a com- 

 paratively little-known portion of the grand heritage of the heirs of 

 this world. 



