32 MISC. PUBLICATION 162, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
Important research work is done by the Forest Products Labora- 
tory at Madison, Wis. There, in cooperation with the University of 
Wisconsin, the Forest Service carries on intensive studies of the phys- 
ical, mechanical, and chemical properties of wood and other forest 
products. Tests are made of the strength of American woods of com- 
mercial importance: investigations are conducted in seasoning and 
kiln drying; wood preservation ; the manufacture of paper pulp, -fiber- 
board, and the like; the production of alcohol, turpentine, rosin, tar; 
and other chemical products. The results of this work help the wood- 
consuming industries to find the most suitable raw materials and to 
develop methods of utilizing waste products. They also assist tim- 
berland owners to find new markets for forest products. Another 
important part of the Laboratory’s work is to discover ways of using 
woods which, though often abundant, have been considered of little or 
no value, and to develop new uses for the products of the forest. Dur- 
ing the war the Forest Products Laboratory has worked almost wholly 
on war uses of wood and has given vital help on the problems of pack- 
aging military supplies, use of wood for aircraft, etc. 
Investigations in forest economics cover the entire range of the 
economic and social problems involved in the production of forests 
and in the utilization of forest resources. Under its economic pro- 
gram, the Forest Service is conducting a survey of the forest resources 
and requirements of the whole country. This Nation-wide project 
includes studies of all problems relating to forests and forest-land use 
and management, as well as analyses of the relations of its find- 
ings to one another and to other related social and economic factors. 
The results of this survey will be used as bases for formulating policies, 
principles, and plans for the management and use of both public and 
private forest land. Other important projects in forest economics 
deal with equitable methods of forest taxation, the extent of tax delin- 
quency and reversion of forest land to public ownership, and the 
practicability of remedial measures. 
COOPERATION WITH THE STATES 
The Federal Government is cooperating with the States in the pre- 
vention and suppression of forest fires. This cooperation was first 
authorized by the Weeks law, which provided for Federal aid in pro- 
tecting forested watersheds from fire to any State that would spend 
in the same year an amount at least equal to the Federal expenditure. 
Since 1924, however, cooperation with the States has been carried on 
under the provisions of the Clarke-McNary Act, considered one of 
the most forward steps in forestry taken since the passage of the Weeks 
law. This act provides for cooperation with such States as have 
State or other forestry organizations in the protection of forests from 
fire, in assisting farmers in the handling of their woods, and in the 
growing and distribution of young trees for farm-woodland or shelter- 
belt planting. Funds necessary to carry on the work under the Clarke- 
McNary Act are furnished jointly by the Federal Government and. 
the States, and in the fire-protection work private owners also con- 
tribute. 
