6 Observation. 



its cure, and so far as possible to prevent it 

 from spreading. Now it must be clear, that 

 before disease can be detected in silent Nature 

 there must be some outward manifestation or 

 indication of its presence ; and if these indi- 

 cations have become apparent to the general 

 observer, or to the uninitiated, it may be 

 safely assumed that a cure is almost im- 

 possible. It is, therefore, important that 

 detection should take place before the disease 

 has become so apparent, and this can only be 

 achieved by the trained observer. The future 

 of British Forestry greatly depends upon this 

 power of observation in those who own or 

 manage large tracts of woodland, and it is a 

 power which cannot be taught. It must come, 

 if it comes at all, from that interest and love 

 of tree life which naturally engenders obser- 

 vation. It is strange, but true, that so many 

 experienced and practical foresters do not 

 possess it ; they will work in the woods day 

 after day, year after year, and yet not detect 

 the presence of disease in the trees which 

 surround them. It comes — this power of 

 observation — from the study of Nature, and it 



