PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 335 
FORESTRY LAWS... 
The forestry laws of Mexico have been constructed along French lines and 
are immeasurably superior to those of the United’ States. We shall soon have a 
translation of these laws and give the substance of each. Briefly, the forests 
are protected by the Government, forest fires are infrequent, and, when they 
occur, immediate and thorough investigation is made as to the cause, and persons 
who are guilty of starting fires are severely punished. 
The Government refuses to sell the forest lands, but leases the right to cut 
timber under official direction. The official brand placed upon a tree must show 
when timber is exported, else the wood is confiscated. The importance of the 
forests is recognized in their laws. 
EXPERIMENT STATION. 
An agricultural experiment station is maintained at Mexico City. I visited 
the buildings and grounds. The location and soil are well chosen. There are 
many small trecs and shrubs, some of great beauty. The stock, mostly Holstein 
cattle, was very fine. 
The weeping willow seems to be a favorite about the moist lands of Mexico. 
Its shade is refreshing, and as a tree it is ornamental: but why grow so many trees 
which possess no valuable qualities upon land of such high value, when the 
eucalyptus and catalpa will thrive under the same conditions and produce lumber 
and timber of the highest value, and yet are equally ornamental for shade? 
A series of experiments which would illustrate European and American meth- 
ods in farming, showing various improved implements, and planting a variety 
of forest trees not common to the country, especially those of high value in 
manufactures and for economic uses, would be of immense import to the Re- 
public. 
If to this permanent exhibit American and European manufacturers should 
send specimens of their wares, with experienced men to operate them and show 
their use, it would add to their sales and benefit the farmers of Mexico. 
The railways would doubtless bring representative citizens from various por- 
tions of the Republic, at reduced rates, if not free, for instructions and for 
observations. 
It would well repay the United States Government to send a number of 
students from the various colleges to Mexico to learn of her people more of 
irrigation, of masonry and many things in agriculture, in which Mexico so greatly 
excels. There is not an architect in the United States but could gain some valu- 
able | 
through our neighboring Republic. 
On July 18 a messenger from the National Palace brought to Porter's Hotel a 
letter from President Diaz, inviting me to call upon him on Monday afternoon. 
I was extremely fortunate in having the acquaintance of Dr. Foid, a gentleman 
who in addition to being an expert linguist, is also a thorough master of arbor- 
iculture, having been for many years director of forestry stations in France. Dr. 
Foid volunteered to accompany me on my visit to the President and to act as inter- 
essons in building and in planning structures by a tour of observation 
preter. 
