29 



young forests where the shoots are still tender and readily eaten by 

 animals, nor where the grazing animals may tramp out the seed- 

 lings. 



The original forest may be regarded a great reservoir of wealth 

 filled by nature working through many centuries, and exploited by 

 man either for its products or to establish , in its place a more neces- 

 sary industry. The present forest on the other hand may be rep- 

 resented by a much smaller reservoir only partly filled, and with 

 material which is inferior not only to that found in the original 

 forest but also far inferior to that which we hope to develop in the 

 future forest. The present forest if properly managed, which im- 

 plies improvement, is capable of producing continuously a large 

 quantity of major and minor forest products representing an enor- 

 mous value. In addition to the usual monetary value of forests we 

 should also consider their value as soil formers, soil fixers, soil im- 

 provers, preventers of floods, sanitary agents, suppliers of natural 

 blessings, and beautifiers of the earth. 



THE VALUE OF TREES. 



Trees are among the commonest and most conspicuous objects of 

 nature. They vary considerably depending upon their kind, their 

 environment, and the artificial treatment which they may have re- 

 ceived during their development. The trees which surrounded the 

 simple home of the early pioneer dififered very much from those 

 which adorn the grounds of some of our wealthy citizens today, 

 showing that nature, unaided by man produces trees in the forests 

 which difi'er considerably from those which man has planted and 

 cared for. Environment is a very potent factor which not only in- 

 fluences the general appearance of a tree but also the structural parts 

 which compose it. Trees as members of the forest stand have been 

 considered in the preceding chapter. The subjoined material treats 

 of trees used for purposes other than forestry. 



Trees are not only valuable for their products, as wood, resin, 

 fruit, and litter, but in addition have an aesthetic and a protective 

 value. Although tree-planting for shade and ornament has been 

 practiced assiduously in past generations, yet the value of such plant- 

 ing and the care which such trees require and should receive has not 

 been fully appreciated until lately. Today individual trees or small 

 groups of them are planted rather extensively about homes, along 

 streets, in parks and public squares, for their shade and shelter. 

 They are also used about the home to screen objectionable objects, 

 to direct and restrict the views along general lines, to frame the 

 home picture and to give the surroundings the expression of comfort 

 and homeliness. 



