48 Proceedings op the 



floods and to lower water stages in dry seasons than 

 was the case before the forests were cut ofif. 



Whether forests increase the amount of precipitation 

 or not — on this authorities are not agreed — it is very 

 certain from the observation and experience of those 

 who Hve in the country that local showers are rjiore 

 frequent in the neighborhood of dense forests. We 

 may well contend that the forest helps to water the 

 farm; that it protects from disastrous wind storms, 

 both in winter and summer; prevents the spread of 

 disease, besides furnishing an inexhaustible and self- 

 renewing supply of a material indispensable to the 

 successful exercise of every art of peace, as well as 

 much of the destructive energy of war. 



So important is this subject that the farmers of this 

 country should hail with delight the work of this 

 Congress, and join hands with you in the earnest effort 

 you are now and will hereafter make to save America 

 from the disaster that has overtaken many countries 

 in Europe. 



Experience has shown that no legislation can secure 

 the permanence of the forests in private hands. The 

 farmers must be educated 'along this line. The earnest 

 efforts of the Department of Agriculture must be 

 encouraged, and the means necessary for the sending 

 out of literature must be furnished by the Congress. 

 Such Bulletins as Nos. 67 and 173, by B. E. Fernow, 

 of the Division of Forestry, will accomplish a great 

 deal. The farmers' institutes in the states must take 

 up the subject and help to create a public sentiment 

 that will change present conditions and lead to tree 

 planting on many other than Arbor days. 



Every word written, printed or spoken on this sub- 

 ject will bring a blessing and the author will deserve 

 public thanks. As a subject of political economy no 



