FOREST TREES. 37 
causes, some of the trees die, others are destroyed by 
the axe; and the thinning once commenced, goes on 
in an increasing ratio, as they are deprived of the 
accustomed protection afforded by close companion- 
ship. A case may be cited in point. 
At the time of its first settlement, no part of the 
United States possessed more magnificent forests of 
the most valuable kinds of timber than Kentucky. 
After the country became thickly settled, the owners 
of valuable woodlands adopted the practice of cutting 
out the undergrowth and least valuable trees, and 
sowing the soil with blue grass. Beautiful indeed 
were these noble parks, shaded by lofty trees. Black 
Walnut, Oak, Ash, Tulip tree, Elm and Hackberry 
—carpeted with the soft turf of the blue grass, and 
pastured by herds of cattle. But the result was 
unfortunate. For more than twenty years past these 
noble trees have been rapidly perishing; no young 
ones have been permitted to grow to supply their 
place, and their reproduction, if ever accomplished, 
must be effected by means of artificial plantations. 
I am informed by a gentleman, a native of Kentucky, 
that in some parts of that State coal for fuel is, at 
the present time, conveyed sixty miles in wagons. 
With proper management and protection, a forest 
will continue to reproduce itself for an indefinite 
period of time. Nature, if left to herself, will carry 
on her operations successfully; if not assisted, they 
must at least be unchecked. 
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