190 
FORESTRY. 
RACTICAL forestry has been defined by Mr. Mitchie 
as signifying the growing of the greatest quantity of 
the most valuable wood or timber upon the smallest 
piece of ground in the shortest period of time. This 
may suffice very well for forestry as practised in Scotland ; but 
when we consider the manner in which the science is applied in 
countries nearer the sun, some addition becomes necessary. The 
full practice of forestry then further implies the maintenance in 
a given country of the proportion of woodland suitable to that 
country, that there may be the best climate obtainable in that 
country for the maintenance and reproduction of animal and 
plant life conformably with the wants and enjoyments of man. 
It may be added that forestry, so carried out, amongst other 
benefits, regulates the rainfall, prevents to a large degree violent 
storms and drought, and diminishes disaster and discomfort by 
Hoods and drifting sand. 
The science of forestry, however, has only been known for 
some two hundred years, yet its great importance is seen when 
we consider what takes place in every country as it becomes 
civilised. 
Whilst in barbarous times men are content to five upon the 
wild fruits of the forests and plains, the spoils of the chase, the 
food to be obtained by trapping and fishing, and what can be 
wrested from neighbouring tribes or travellers by force of arms ; 
as soon as they gain ideas of civilisation they clear a space 
amidst the trees of the forest to build a collection of dwellings 
and to grow corn and other food and provender in greater 
quantity than can be conveniently gathered in the wild state. 
Wood, moreover, is required for firing, to build houses, boats, 
and for many other purposes ; so it comes to pass that the area 
around the settlement denuded of trees becomes greater and 
greater. 
Where a civilised invading force occupies a land covered with 
primeval forest, then, of course, the cutting down of trees goes 
on at a much accelerated pace. 
One result of civilisation generally, then, is the gradual but 
steadily increasing disappearance of trees, a few remaining, and 
man planting some fruit and other trees that he sees will be of 
use to him : the forests are destroyed with most disastrous 
results, involving the ruin of climate favourable to life, and so 
the impoverishment and eventual downfall of once powerful 
nations. 
Such has been, and is still, in too many cases, the usual 
course of events. Most, however, of the nations of Europe 
have learnt the value of forestry, and some of them practise it 
so thoroughly that a proper proportion of their land is kept 
covered by trees; so that there are equable seasons, and agricul- 
