FORESTS, RESERVOIRS, AND STREAM FLOW 285 
ought to be brought within 10 cents per 100. In logging and transpor- 
tation together, the country will tax itself on the average not less 
than $10 per 1000 for whatever supply it derives from these moun- 
tain forests as compared with what it might receive from forests more 
favorably located. 
If it were not for the erroneous assumption that forests have a 
regulative effect upon the flow of our navigable rivers, would not 
the policy in regard to the acquisition of lands for forest reserves 
be quite different from that now proposed? If Congress were to vote, 
say, $10000 000, at the next session to commence the establishment 
of National forests by purchase, would it not be far better spent 
in lands where the pine, oak, cherry, and ash used to grow, in loca- 
tions convenient for access by the people and in every way better 
adapted to their needs? States, counties or other agencies should 
be required to meet half the original cost. Even if the total cost 
to the Government were several times what equal areas in the moun- 
tains cost, it would be far more economical in the long run. There 
is an abundance of land in nearly all the States, suitable for the 
purpose, that can be had at not excessive cost. In New England, for 
example, would not the development of forests in the lowlands, where 
in many places former cultivation has been abandoned, be far better 
than to buy up the difficult slopes of the White Mountains? Let 
there be a National forest in every county of the United States 
where it is practicable to create one. Let its location be carefully 
chosen so that its product may be manufactured and shipped with 
the smallest cost to the people, and serving also, not only as a pleasure 
ground, but as a stimulus to similar work by private agencies. 
It will be urged that these mountain lands are worth more for 
forestry than for agriculture. Very true, but that would not justify 
their purchase if the same money would produce a better result else- 
where. “Never buy what you do not want because it is cheap.” Again, 
it may be said that here is our only remaining timber supply in the 
East, and it must be saved. Except in some possible economy by the 
more judicious cutting under Government control, it is not apparent 
how a forest tree that has attained its growth is going to render any 
greater good to humanity by being saved for the next generation than 
by being cut for this. There is a general sentiment current in these 
later years that if timber is cut off by private agencies it is wasted; 
