INTRODUCTION 



The wave of enthusiasm for the conservation of our na- 

 tional resources must reach the children or it will expend 

 much of its force uselessly. 



It is from the education of the children in right ways of 

 looking at Nature that everything is to be expected in the 

 years to come. If they learn to understand the value of 

 the things about them, as well as to appreciate their 

 beauties, the carrying on and enlarging of the conservation 

 program which is now so well under way can be safely left 

 to their care. 



The West, although it has already been ruthlessly ex- 

 ploited, has lost less of its natural wealth than have the 

 longer-settled Eastern states. 



In the newer parts of our country we can reasonably hope 

 to save most of the forests, and most of the wild life, and 

 pass them on down to our children and grandchildren in 

 something of their primeval beauty and richness. 



In the East we can hope to arouse a stronger sentiment 

 for preserving what remains of the forests as well as for 

 extending their areas, for proper forestation will lessen 

 the danger of erosion of the soil and of floods, and will en- 

 courage the return of the wild creatures that are of so much 

 economic importance and add so much to the joy of life. 



A book bringing out in a simple and interesting manner 

 the principles of conservation has long been needed, for 

 there has been Uttle that could be placed in the hands 

 of pupils. It is with the earnest hope of furnishing some- 

 thing which will answer in part the present need that this 

 Conservation Reader has been prepared. 



