PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE FA 
PRESERVE THE FORESTS, PROTECT THE BIRDS. 
A casual view from the railway window, or from any prominent point 
in the older settled states is often very deceptive. The landscape, varied by 
numerous groves of woodland in the agricultural portions, presents the ap- 
pearance of extensive, heavily wooded tracts, which upon nearer approach 
prove to be in most cases only a few remaining inferior growths, mainly of 
Beach, the more valuable Oak, Ash, Walnut, Hickory, Poplar, etc., having 
been cleared. 
In the higher mountains, where from the distance there seems to be heavy 
timber without limit, a closer inspection shows but comparatively few trees 
of real value, but quantities of brush, scrubby trees and sorts which have no 
real value in the commercial world. 
The lumberman seeks now in distant regions among the rougher moun- 
tains for oak that is suitable for quarter sawing, and for woods that are re- 
quired in manufacturing, while the pine forests are fast disappearing. 
If we would renew these old woodlands, cattle and sheep should be ex- 
cluded, in order that the young growth may not be destroyed. If the existing 
trees are not of a valuable character, seeds, nuts and young plants may be set 
among the growing trees, which probably will give them sufficient protec- 
tion. If not, the natural conditions of forests should be renewed by mulching 
with straw or other material, to destroy such grass as forms a turf; by en- 
couraging the growth of such shrubs and plants as “Nurses,” which, by loos- 
ening the soil with their penetrating roots, shading the ground and mulching 
it with their leaves, protect the valuable forest seedlings. 
A dense undergrowth should be permitted in order that the evaporation 
may be reduced to a minimum. 
There should be planted in generous proportion such trees as produce 
berries and fruits from which birds may obtain a supply of natural food, as by 
their labors the husbandman is protected from innumerable insect foes. 
Where Imperial Germany imposes the obligation on every land owner 
that for each tree he shall destroy, another must be planted, thoughtful Amer- 
icans should impose such duty upon themselves. Societies whose object is 
the dissemination of agricultural knowledge, might well encourage the plant- 
ing of trees. and by discussions of the subject of forestry. The press, whose 
power for good or evil is without a limit, can advance the cause of forest re- 
newals by bringing the subject frequently before the people. 
Land owners, who for speculation have invested their capital in wooded 
