MICHIGAN EXPERIMENT STATION 39- 



periments aimed at the solution of forestry problems are tried; they are 

 the equipment for forestry Instruction to the people of the State who, un- 

 fortunately, are grossly ignorant of the fundamental principles of the 

 sciences relating to tree growing; they are broad enough to conserve the 

 moisture at the head waters of the rivers and allow it to percolate 

 slowly through the soil, keeping up the flow of the rivers during periods of 

 drought, and finally each is the nucleus about which shall spread larger 

 forests, owned either by the State or by private individuals. 



In the second place, the enforcement of laws against forest fires and 

 for the protection of forests generally is placed in the hands of a trained 

 and well organized department. The chief oflficer is either elected or ap- 

 pointed solely as a commissioner of forestry, devoting his whole time to 

 the work, or the duties of some existing state ofBcial are enlarged to 

 include the enforcement of the law,, and a sufficient number of trained 

 assistants are provided. It is evident that until the public conscience is 

 awakened to the enormity of the crime of starting forest fires and the 

 public intelligence is aroused to comprehend the financial losses which 

 they entail, it is impossible to so far enforce the best laws as to 

 control or prevent devastating conflagration. The efficacy- of legislation 

 depends largely upon supporting public opinion. It is made the duty of 

 the forest commissioner, therefore, to educate public opinion through 

 the public schools and by means of special circulars and reports. 



