FOREWORD XXV 
 — 
We should not forget that our forests serve as a never ending 
source of clean, potable water; that they are closely affiliated with 
stream flow, favorable climatic conditions and rain fall; and, of no 
little consequence, that they harbor and sustain a variety of wild 
life which constitutes in itself a great natural resource. Also we 
must consider the importance of our forests as a means of recrea- 
tion and health. The value of even a brief sojourn in the big woods 
as a cure for many of the minor ills provoked by a feverish, steam- 
heated civilization is too well known to need appraisal in these 
pages. It seems to be the privilege of the forests even to doctor the 
doctors, as I notice that none come oftener to the woods for rest 
and health than the medical men themselves. 
It would seem, therefore, that the forests are indispensable to 
the public wel- 
fare, and that 
the public may 
well take such 
measures as will 
assure that they 
are maintained. 
While it is prob- 
able that many 
private owners, 
for their own 
interests, will 
take steps to 
reforest their 
lands, it is only 
right that the 
public should 
lead the way in 
matters of con- 
servation and 
forest renewal. 
Thousands of 
acres of cut- 
over lands and 
of waste lands- 
are being pur- 
chased for pub- 
lic administra- 
tion by other Oe Bee er Miciinaiiies 
we 
