20. 
PART III. 
Future Possibilities as Regards the Problem of. 
Waste Land. Reafforestation, Soil Influence, etc. 
ae 
The history of the early conditions and management 
of the forests in Tompkins County is valuable only as it 
records the mistakes that others have made in dealing with 
this problem, and as a knowledge of the facts may prevent 
similar mistakes being made in the future. History re=- 
cords, in a general way, the several phases through which 
the forests have passed in reaching their present critical 
condition = the woodlot. The past cannot be remedied. 
Out of necessity, then, we must take up the problem as 
it is at the present time, and try to find some means 
whereby we may check the customary wastefulness and in= 
difference in dealing with these remaining woodlots, and 
in some way contrive to create an interest in, and, 
establish a practical system of caring for them with the 
idea of correcting past mistakes, remedying present cone 
ditions, and in making the future woodlot a more valuable 
farm crop. | 
Leaving aside a consideration of the excellent supply 
of literature that deals with practical forestry, the 
care of the woodlot from the standpoint of the farmer 
seems to be of the greatest importance. The principles 
that underlie intelligent forest management will apply 
in Tompkins County as well as anywhere, but, with respect 
