FORESTRY 



In submitting this publication on Forestry to the Citizens of 

 West Virginia the State Board of Agriculture indulges the hope 

 that some good may result and while it is not expected that any 

 one person will be called upon to accomplish any great wonders, 

 or to inaugnirate any radical reforms, yet it is believed that with 

 the hearty co-operation of all the people, and with a very little 

 inconvenience to any one, we can protect the remnant, reforest 

 the bald places not otherwise in use, and by eternal vigilence, 

 which is the price of every thing that is worth having, defend our 

 remaining forests from that worst enemy of all, The Forest Fire. 

 If we could get a law on our Statute book that would prevent the 

 wastful use of our forest resources, it would go a long way to- 

 ward saving our present supply, and encouraging a new growth 

 for the use of coming generations. Such law should not be so 

 dictatorial or stringent as to make the lumberman think that he 

 was being deprived of his rights, but should be in such form and 

 spirit that he could understand that what is good for others is 

 also good for him. 



There are many other ways besides law and force to accomplish 

 good results. Earnest effort along educational lines is a mighty 

 good way to inspire the average citizen to do his individual best 

 for the benefit of others as well as himself. 



The school teachers of West Virginia with the proper assistance 

 and encouragement of the patrons could accomplish more true 

 forestry service in one term of school, than the legislature could 

 do in a decade. 



Suppose we get a law to compel the lumberman to cut carefully 

 and savingly. Suppose every one becomes interested in keeping 

 out the forest fires, and suppose all the schools teach forestry to 

 sU the children in the land, and we have an insufficient supply of 

 birds what doth it profit? Look at the locust trees all over our 

 State with their foliage turning brown in midsummer and matur- 



