Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-06-23

From this perfect fountain head
Freely, as thou freely givest.
Shall the crate full light be shed
From the Scientific American
CAN THERE BE A GREAT SCARCITY OF TIM
BER IN THE UNITED STATES.
MEssRs. EDIToRs Taking, as a citizen, a
deep interest in the welfare of the present and
future inhabitants of this great commonwealth.
/ embrace with much pleasure the opportunity
of bringing before the readers of your valua-
BILE paper, the views of professional German
forester-Charles Bertholdi-on most impor-
tant branch of national economy, namely, the
culture of trees. Mr.. B. recently travelled
through the United States, and he treats his
snbject without any prejudice. He believes
that if the present reckless destruction of tim
ber is continued for 4 number of years longer,
the United States will have TO tear the dsas-
trous consequences of that destruction. The
bases OF his conclusions are stubborn facts ta-
ken from the history of ancient aud modern
nations, such as the Persians, Greeks. Romans
and Germans. He considers Persia to be one
of the most remarkable Illustrations of his
views, and he says that there are in this respect
three periods to be compared. The first is the
time anterior to Persia's iourshing as a great
empire, when ignorance and recklessneSs were
dominant for the immense destruction of for
ests and woods; the second period is the time
of its prosperity and greatness, when no diff
.uties were considered great enough to OBJ
struct an extensive cultivation of trees; and
the third period-which extends down TO the
present timc-is that of relaxation in efforts to
cultivate and preserve timber. During the
middle period, even on the very verges of vast
deserts where no rivers or brooks existed, cv-
cry available source of water was used to sup
ply aqucducts for producing the humidity ne
cessary to the growth of trees. The contrast
OF dcsolate deserts and timber land impressed
the Persians with a natural love for the cult
walton of timber. Religious and political law
makers were SO wise as to impose on the peo-
pie sacred duty of planting and of promo
ting the plantations of trees, ,and its fulfilment
was shown to be the only way to be blessed in
this and in the world TO come. Kings and
vice kings, or satraps, early in their infancy,
were taught this duty. Thus we understand
why every wealthy Persian applied his riches
to the transformation of barren land into gar
dens aud groves of fruit trees; and Persia in
the time of its might and power, was covered
with gardens. woods, parks, and. groves, and
thereby the Vandalc distinctions of former
time disappeared. This love of the Persians
for woods accompanied them to other coun-
tries in their strife for conquest, and when
their dominions extended to the Black and
Mediterranean Seas, the same laws for the cul-
Tiration of trees were maintained. Generally,
the Persian kings appointed wood Overseers
in their new provinces. The Israeites had to
petition their conqueror ArtaXerxes, the Per-
sian king, for an order commanding the royal
Overseers of woods to allow them (thc Israel
itcs) to take timber from Mount Lebanon, to
be used in the construction of their temple at
Jerusalem, an account of which is given in the
Bible. nehemiah, chap. g AS many cold
parts of Persia were densely populated, there
large annual consumption of timber.
In Greece there were provinces which were
covered with woods. such as the mountainous
Of nd has la,,,,
But in the province of Attica, with an extent
of only forty square miles, and number of
inhabitants amounting to half million, the
people had to plant their trees so as to provide
for ships and building, and even for
their mines. Under government care was
placed the cultivation of the fig and olive
trees, devoted respectively to their deites,
Ceres and Mercury. In Greece, too, religious
influence was exerted to keep sacred the tenn
pie groves, in which only the decayed trees
were allowed to be cut down. The only State
forest being at great distance from the city,
srees were planted on the adjacent mountains.
Almost every village had its woods, which
svere under the supervision of the government.
Under the rule of the Romans, the stringent
laws for the cultivation and preservation of
trees much resembled those of Greece, even
to the extent of consecratng the groves sur
rounding their temples. Each farm was gen
orally fenced with woods, which, together
with the beautiful fruit and otter trees in the
S%.1ahs within .nv rarms, impaired much
leauty TO the country residences.
As to Germany, the country was covered
ryith dense forests a long time before the
great nations mentioned disappeared from the
scene of action; gigantic trees were found in
these forests. Already in the seventh centu-
nv of the Christian era, the increase of popu-
lstion and its need of agricultural productions
caused the clearing of forests. But this clear
ance did not assume so large proportions as
might bo supposed, as rigid laws were In force
to properly limitate the natural instinct OF the
peasantry for the destruction OF woods. In
the course OF time, however, this regulation
became perfectly tyrannical; large forests pc
ing in possession of individuals-kings, no
bles, and clergy. The first French revolution
checked despotism in this direction; but on
the other hand, the destruction of forests De-
came at this period so prevailing, that per-
feet barrenneSs of the soil was created IN some
parts of Germany; and it took many years oi
hard labor and the expenditure of much mon
ey to restore the fertility of these barren noun
tains, which restoration was also owing to the
development OF better and more enlightened
public spirit, which counteracted the effect OF
vile passions and ignorance. At present, in
all parts of Germany, laws and regulations fol
tha cultivation of timber are enforced, which