342 
The Principles of Forestry. 
I 
realise tliat tlie application of the principles of forestry will 
materially increase this wealth and at the same time yield them 
a regular yearly income, forestry will not rise above its present 
low level. 
Not only has there been neglect in the management of 
woodland, but little if any progress has been made towards pre- 
venting gradual depletion ; and if steps ai'e not taken to remedy 
this state of things, actual disafForestment may ensue, as it has 
already done in Ireland. 
The landowner need not fear foreign competition, for there 
is a barrier which will prevent the price of timber falling below ^ 
a remunerative standard. That barrier is freight, which will 
rise with an improvement of trade, — an improvement now 
taking place — and the recession of supplies from the accessible 
coast-line. In fact, the price of timber would rise far above 
what it has been, were it not for the extended use of iron and 
other materials. This, however, will act only as a restraining 
influence, and prevent rapid and uncertain fluctuations, which 
are never desirable nor beneficial. 
Most civilised States are now turning their attention to the 
conservation and extension of their woodlands and forest areas. 
They have awakened from a long sleep of culpable negligence 
and indifference, to see that a source of wealth has been reck- 
lessly used. They have approached, in fact, to the state of a 
leaseholder who has created no sinking fund, and whose term 
is rapidly expiring. It is high time England also awoke from 
the lethargy she has so long indulged in. 
In new colonies this state of things is natural, and no 
teaching will prevent the same thing occurring again. Early 
settlers require wood for building and for burning, and naturally 
settle as near as possible to the supplies, and recklessly cut all 
they require without a thought for the future. It is only when 
the supply recedes, and extra labour, and therefore cost, is in- 
curred, that a value attaches to it. Then, and not till then, the 
authorities step in, and, by judicious laws, preserve what remains. 
Foreign supplies have of course prevented a recourse to State 
interference in this country. There has been no want, no scarcity ; 
therefore public attention has not been drawn to the subject. 
Even now there is no sign of scarcity; and had it not been for 
agi'icultural depi'ession probably nothing would have been heard 
of the Select Committee on Forestry. The long-continued 
depression, and the national evils arising fi'om it, have focussed 
public attention on all matters relating to land produce, and the 
growth of timber has naturally been looked upon as an important 
factor. 
