FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 383 



of the history which has led to the present condition of affairs. To know the 

 nature of the condition of an institution one must know something of the environ, 

 ment under which it developed. There has been give and take throughout the 

 whole world for ages. A process of universalization is going on at all times. 

 The great development of the grain industry in Russia is due primarily to the 

 introduction of American machinery. On the other hand, the introduction of the 

 macaroni wheats into this country has had an equal if not greater effect on our 

 own wheat industry. 



The visitor abroad will not be surprised to find that in Europe certain parts have 

 long ago passed through the stage we are now in ; that there are still areas in Europe 

 in a stage similar to parts of this country at the present time; and that other parts 

 are in a stage which cannot be reached by this country for a period of centuries. In 

 parts of Europe there is an abundance of wood ; in other regions it is extremely 

 scarce ; and these regions may be within an hour's ride of one another. I have 

 eaten a lunch cooked over the roots of grape vines and small sticks no larger than 

 lead pencils, and have had dinner cooked over a fire of pine logs in a large open fire- 

 place. Both of these places are in France within forty miles of one another. 



Europeans do a great deal of visiting to learn of one another's progress. I have 

 seen a group of Italian and a group of Spanish students meeting in France to inspect 

 the work of reboisement in the mountains when the renowned Demontzey was living. 

 English, Dutch, Belgian and French forestry students visit Germany frequently, and 

 German students in turn go to Russia and Denmark. German forestry students 

 could learn much in this country. They could see species which they have imported 

 growing under natural conditions, and they could gain many valuable points from an 

 inspection of our system of wood transportation and conversion. 



Although we compare favorably with other nations in that we have two schools 

 of forestry, a bureau of forestry at Washington, almost fifty millions acres of 

 reserved land, etc., we are wofully backward in that this enormous tract of magnificent 

 forest is neglected and in general not even protected from fire and thieves. The 

 State of New York has done something in purchasing the Adirondack forest land. 

 This, however, is the merest beginning. Even protection is not firmly established. 

 The protection of forests is essential. Until extensive fires become an impossibility, 

 forestry is not possible. The prevention of fire, the removal of brush and the leaving 

 of seed trees were the first steps toward forest conservation in Europe. 



It is well to visit Europe several summers in succession. Places of interest are 

 so close together that one can become easily muddled and bewildered by the host 

 of new impressions. One can become easily tired and satiated. The mind after 



