THE JHAWAII AN 
F0RE8TER I AGRICULTURIST 
Vol. V MAY, 1908 No. 5 
The five indispensably essential materials in our civilization are 
Wood, Water, Coal, Iron and Agricultural products. — Gilford 
Pinchot. 
The National Resources Convention which takes place in Wash- 
ington while we are at press, is one of the most significant and 
important events in the history of the American nation. That 
such a statement should be made of a deliberation of which very 
little attention has been given by the general public may at first 
create surprise, but when the expected results of the convention 
now in session have been allowed time to develop, it will become 
apparent that their influence has materially aided in insuring to the 
nation a continuation of that wonderful prosperity which she 
now enjoys. 
In analysing "the causes which have contributed to the unrivalled 
wealth and prosperity of the United States, one of the most im- 
portant is the magnificent store of natural resources with which 
she has been endowed'. To this priceless heritage is greatly due 
her envied position in agriculture, in mining, in commerce, in 
manufacture and her success in every one of the manifold occu- 
pations dependent upon these great industries. Too often, how- 
ever, the enormous natural deposits of wealth, are looked upon 
as being 'exhaustible.' and are exploited as if they were indeed 
incapable of diminution. A careful examination has, however, 
revealed the fact that in almost every instance in which the very 
existence of the supremacy of the nation depends upon the con- 
tinuance of the supply of a natural product, the disappearance of 
the latter is proceeding at such a rate that within the life of many 
now living its output will practically cease. To bring about this 
unfortunate condition,' ignorance, stupidity, wantonness and reck- 
less disregard of the rights of posterity have alike contributed, 
until today, unless some radical measures are taken to safeguard 
and transmit to future generations what yet remains of our re- 
sources, the most certain national disaster must follow. 
With regard to the supply of coal, upon which the success of 
many industrial pursuits depends, the present practice of mining 
is conducted in such a manner that only the best portions of the 
deposits are removed, after which the shafts are allowed to fall 
