vill PREFACE 
of conservation of forests, waters, minerals, because 
true patriotism demands that the next generation be 
given not only the liberties which we have inherited from 
our forefathers, but also their share of the wealth, with 
which this country was originally endowed. 
It is indeed time that knowledge of and interest in 
our land and forest problem became more common, and 
the best way to reach the citizen of tomorrow is to in- 
terest and instruct the boy of today. He should be told 
that forestry is absolutely necessary, not only because 
we cannot get along without timber, but also because 
we must make our vast areas of non-agricultural land 
productive; and because the indirect influences of the 
forest in controling floods, in moderating climate, in 
serving as recreation grounds, etc., are so extremely im- 
portant. 
Forestry means using our forests—not locking them 
up, and every American, young or old, should realize 
that our nation cannot long prosper unless it profits by 
the example of other countries, and cares for its non- 
agricultural, as well as for its fertile, land. 
There are a variety of ways in which popular instruc- 
tion may be given. The United States Forest Service 
publishes popular, as well as technical, bulletins, and 
many States publish circulars on forestry couched in 
simple terms. However, the outlook for converting the 
next generation while still at an impressionable age 
seems most promising, and it is this idea which has in- 
spired this book. In Part I is told the story of the 
forest—how it grows, how it is managed, the life of a 
forester, etc., and an effort has been made to bring out 
the romance and charm attached to the forest and at the 
same time give a true picture of methods and conditions 
which are found in the United States. The more tech- 
