24 



Germany, who has learned her lesson, makes her state forests pro- 

 duce an average of 48 cubic feet of wood per acre. We have as fast- 

 growing species as Germany, or faster, and as good or better forest 

 soil if we protect it. 



The necessity for more farm land may eventually reduce our total 

 forest area to 100 million acres less than it is at present. It is entirely 

 possible, however, to produce on 450 million acres as much wood 

 as a population much greater than we have now will really need if 

 all the forest land is brought to its highest producing capacity and 

 if the product is economically and completely utilized. But to reach 

 the necessary condition of equilibrium between timber production 

 and consumption will take many years of vigorous effort by indi- 

 vidual forest owners, by the States, and by the National Govern- 

 ment. None of them can solve the problem alone; all must work 

 together. 



Approved: 



James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture. 



Washington, D. C, May 10, 1909, 



[Cir. 166] 



O 



