THE TRAINING OF A FORESTER 



The sixth branch has to do with the 

 study, selection, and acquisition of lands 

 under the Weeks law, in accordance with 

 which eleven million dollars was appropri- 

 ated for the purchase of forest lands valuable 

 for stream protection, with particular refer- 

 ence to the Southern Appalachians and the 

 White Mountains of New England. The 

 examination of the amount of merchantable 

 timber on lands under consideration for pur- 

 chase, the study of the character of the land 

 and the forest, and the survey of the lan^ 

 keep a numerous body of yoimg men very 

 fully occupied. Their task is to see that none 

 but the right land is recommended for acqui- 

 sition by the Government, that the nature 

 and value of the lands selected shall be most 

 thoroughly known, and that the constant 

 effort to make the Government pay imrea- 

 sonable prices or purchase under unfavorable 

 conditions shall as constantly be defeated. 



102 



