324 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 
Have climatic changes occurred in Mexico which destroyed the forests? And 
what caused the change? Or has the destruction of these great forests caused 
the change and induced aridity? If the former is correct, there can be no rem- 
edy. All must be left to time and the caprice of nature to effect a change. But 
if the latter be the true diagnosis, then it is within the power of man to replace 
these forests and thus secure as favorable conditions as existed before the removal 
of the trees. 
Spain's history has been one of forest destruction, and her climatic condition 
and agricultural degeneracy are the result of this indiscretion. Americans have 
closely followed Spain’s footsteps, and the great forests of the United States 
have been wantonly sacrificed, while the results are daily becoming more apparent 
in drought and flood. 
With a wiser government than either, Mexico is giving protection to her 
remaining timber lands, and will, in time, overcome the evils caused by acts of 
former generations. 
The tropical forests of Mexico occupy the low coast lands and borders of 
streams at low altitudes. The pine is upon the elevated mountain tracts, while 
the great area of the Republic, the table lands, are practically bare of valuable 
timber trees. It is apparent that Mexico has no timber to spare for export. Her 
forest resources are none too great for home consumption. A limited quantity 
of mahogany and especially tropical hard woods along the coast will be exported. 
as it is not available for economic transportation to the interior. 
On the low moist lands a jungle of vines, undergrowth and numerous plants 
having no commercial importance for wood are growing among the valuable 
timber trees which are scattered and quite difficult to remove for shipment. 
The pine is not dense as a forest, and while in the aggregate there is a con- 
siderable quantity it is difficult of access and generally not of the highest quality. 
Pine lumber sells in the cities at from $20 to $35 per thousand feet. 
The pine which is accessible is being made into lumber and fuel. By far too 
large a quantity of pine is being cut into fuel, as coal is scarce and expensive on 
account of long distances for transportation. 
Oak is also largely used for fuel for engines. It is not of a character to be 
very useful in construction. The trees are short-bodied, the grain twisting and 
interlocked, is very difficult to work with ordinary tools. The variety seems to be 
closely related to the English oak, Quercus Rober. While some of the trees are 
of fair size, the majority is dwarf and of slight commercial value. Its location, 
upon mountain slopes with slight moisture, would naturally prevent a vigorous, 
healthy growth. 
MESQUITE. 
The most numerous of trees upon the table lands is the mesquite, which is of 
extremely slow growth and seldom attains a diameter of ten inches, with a very 
short trunk and low head. The wood is heavy, close-grained and durable. When 
large enough it is sought for and made into cross-ties, although far more is used 
for fuel, of which great quantities are taken to the railroads for shipment. 
