SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REGION. 



161 



There is but one such forest in Anierica, and neglect of the oppor- 

 tunity now presented of saving it may work irretrievable loss. The 

 forest once destro3red can not be restored. Reforestation is a slow 

 process; it is for subsequent generations. The experience of the old 

 countries in this matter stands as a warning. The increasing scarcity 

 of timber is causing the large areas of forest in this part of our country 

 to be rapidly acquired by those whose one thought will be immediate 

 returns from a system of lumbering utterly reckless and ruinous from 

 any other point of view, and in a few years this forest will be a thing 

 of the past. 



The National Government, and it alone, can prevent this destruction, 

 and, by the application of the methods of scientific forestry, preserve 

 the forest as a heritage and. blessing to unborn generations. 



NEOESSITT OF PRESERVING THE HEADWATERS OF MANY RIVERS RISING 



IN THESE MOUNTAINS. 



At this late date the calamities of flood and drought resulting from 

 the wanton destruction of forests are well known. The forest acts as 

 a storehouse of moisture for the dry season, and tends to prevent 

 floods. 



Man}' rivers rise in these mountains, and the same causes which will 

 destroy the forests will work irreparable injury to the sources of the 

 water supply. 



It is the dut}' of the National Government, as the guardian of the 

 national interests, not the least among which are the rivers, to protect 

 their sources and the water supply of the country. 



HEALTHFULNESS OF THE REGION. 



It is a well-recognized fact that the plateau lying between the Great 

 Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge is one of the most deservedly 

 popular health resorts of the world. The geographical location and 

 the geological formation are peculiarly adapted to the production of 

 those conditions which make for health in genersl. 



Malarui is unknown. It rivals Arizona as a sanitarium for those 

 sufl'ering from pulmonary troubles. No better place could be found 

 for the establishment of a sanitarium for the soldiers and sailors of 

 our country. 



CLIMATE IS FINE THE WHOLE YEAR. 



By reason of its considerable altitude its summer climate is more 

 agreeable than that of regions farther north. Those living in the 

 South, but in regions of less altitude, and in increasing numbers others 

 from the North and West, are learning to appreciate the advantages 



*S. Doc. 84 11 



