The Portland daily press., 1873-08-23
TERMS $500 PER ANNUMIN Uanv 1xctIrT =

lnese considerations present problem diff.
ncult 1t may be tor solution, but have con-
hdence in the ability of our American peona
to work out practical system adapted to our
social organization and our general theory of
law. We must begin at the centre of power.
and that centre is the circumference. We
must make the people themselves, familiar
with the facts and the necessities of the case.
1t must come to b. understood that tree ia
on forest planted, is ali investment of capi-
tai increasing annually in value-as it grows
like money at interest and worth at any time
what it has cost, including the exJense of
planting and the interest which this money
would have earned at the given date. The great
masses of our rural populati IN and land own
ers, should be inspired with cor ect id'as
as to the importance of planting aud preserv-
ing trees, aud taught the profits that may be
derived from planting waste spots with timber
where nothing else would grow to advantage;
they should learn the increased value OF farms
whice have the roadsides lined with avenues
of trees, and should understand the worth of
the shelter which belts of timber affords fields,
and the general increase of wealth and beauty
which the country would realize from the
united and well-directed efforts of the owners
of land IN thus enriching and beautifying their
estates.
In this great work of popular education,
agricultural societies and kindred associations
may do much by promoting spirit of emula-
tion and offeriug pr iemiums for the most effect
ual results. In recent premium list OF the
Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland,
notice IA prizes offered, amounting to
one hundred soyereigns, in medals and coin.
| for approved reports upon the subject OF tree
| culture in its various relations. Tue example
is worthy of imitation.
The necessities Of European governments
lead to the establishment of schools of forest
| fNr snuf~ sraft. -, ft.a NhaAA ArnA
| application in the growth, preservation and
removal of timber. About a dozen such
schools exist. The necessity for special edu-
cation is this department is sure to arise
| in our own country. Our educators would
act wisely in taking this matter under con-
sideration. Some enlightened benelactor
| couli make h $ name famous by inaugurating
| such movement. However much the pub
| lie may favor there will still arise the heed
of laws to regulate and protect the growth Of
timber, as in the management OF roads, &c.
Let us consider some of the measures
| which State might adopt for the promotion
| of this end, without interfering with private
rights. l. By Withholding from sale lands
| chiefly valuable for timber, and by establish
ing laws by which the State might realize the
profit from necessary thinning out. z. by
exempting from taxation for limited time
lands planted for timber 8. BY offering
bounties to counties, towns and individuals for
the greatast number of trees planted aud
made to thrive. 4. By requiring rail and
other roads to plant trees by the waysides.
5. By imposing tree tax payable IN tree
planting or money, the sum to be EXPENDED
in planting trees. This might be under local
SUPERVISION. g. By protecting trees by the
wayside ny adequate penalties. Z. BY re-
alliring the elements of science applicable to
forestry to be taught in the public schools.
Special schools might ultimately be founded.
With respect to the failure OF water for hy-
draulc power or navigation or city use until
woodland shade can be restored we must de.
pend upon reservoirs, which obviously should
be under the same control as the canals etc
themselves. But where needed for hydraulic
power only. they should be entrusted to prl-
| yate int rests and government should only
enact general laws regarding them. There
may be cases in which a state would be Justi'
fed in making reservoirs for hydraulic power,
but the expense shou ultimately IAN upon
the interests concerned.
aL-eac zen begun for the preservation Of
carost d, 1872 the commissioner OF State
narls ,,as l.. -tituted to guard the region Of
tha 4,;ronda,,. ' ne Already the first right steI
has baan taSa1, i, ,h .dlscODtinuanceof ofsaies 10
non.payment no, 1 Of r taxes No enclosed grounds
no keepers, no oarnamen. a. ions ,laces will
ed. Means of access from v. .ss Canals
be maintained, and in some pla, tbe snnnl,
Important questions involving vdrauli,
for State canals, the restoration of b, New
power, and possibly the water supply OF :,
York city, are at some future time to be dis
cussed,
These questions are not limited to a partic-
ular State, but CONCERN the whole nation, and
would suggest t.,is Association might prop
ery take measures for bringing them to the
notice of our several State governments and
Congress, with respect to the territories, is
the subject OF protection to forests, the cult-
walton of timber. &C., and that special COM
mittee be appointed to memorialize these sew
eral legsiatI. bodies on the subject.
A measure Of pubic utility thus commend.
ed to their notice by this Association would
doubtless receive their attention respectfully.
is reasons would be brought up for discus
sion, and the probabilities for the future,
drawn from the history of the past, might be
presented before the public in their true light.
Such memorial should embrace The draft Of
bill as the form of law, which should be
carefully considered in the various aspects Of
public interest and private rig. Is and as best
adapted to secure the benefits desired