OUR FORESTS 31 
tion of forests, and others the utilization of their products, forest 
economics and grazing. 
Through a series of 12 regional forest and range experiment 
stations intensive studies are made of such things as the rates of 
growth and requirements of the different tree species, what methods 
of cutting under varying conditions will be followed by the best 
reproduction of the most desirable kinds of trees, the best methods 
of nursery practice and of field planting, and how best to protect 
the forests from fire and other damaging agencies. The relation of 
forests to climate, stream flow, and erosion is also investigated, and 
studies are made of range conditions and management. In this work 
the stations cooperate closely with the national-forest organization, 
with other Government bureaus, State foresters, agricultural col- 
leges and experiment stations, and universities. 
Important research work is done by the Forest Products Labora- 
tory, at Madison, Wis. Here, in cooperation with the University 
of Wisconsin, the Forest Service carries on intensive studies of the 
physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of wood and other 
forest products. Tests are made of the strength of American woods 
of commercial importance; studies are made 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 
timberland 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. 
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 an analysis of the relation of its findings 
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 
now being carried on are those which have to do with equitable 
methods of forest taxation; the extent of tax delinquency and rever- 
sion of forest land to public ownership; and the practicability of 
remedial measures. 
CCC FORESTRY 
Since its inception in 1933 much permanent improvement work has 
been done on national forests by the Civilian Conservation Corps 
which has built telephone lines, firebreaks, fire towers, trails, and 
bridges; planted trees on areas in need of reforesting; and engaged 
in many other forms of forest work. Not the least important is the 
assistance the corps has given in the fighting and prevention of forest 
fires on the national forests. 
