Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-08-26
PRESENTATION OF FORESTS.

This is practical and important subject,
which particularly interests the people of
this State, where the forests are rap
idly disappearing under the axe of lumber
men and settlers. The increased price Of
lumber and wood has had a tendency to
check the ruthless manner in which our
forests were destroyed a few years since,
but the process Of destruction still goes on
at such rate as if continued must soon
end all the older growth of trees. If we
would escape the evils which other coun-
tries have suffered from the destruction OF
their forests we must preserve ours. We
regard them now as valuable only for
lumber and fuel, but experience proves
that they are far more valuable for other
purposes, affecting agriculture, manufac-
turing and health. The following synop
tical report of the paper to which we have
referred will be of interest to our readers
1t was prepared by DIR. Franklin b. Hough
of Lowville, n. Y, the subject being the
duty of governments in the preservation
of forests.
ssThe historic period is too short TO permi,
the supposition that the transition from iuxu-
RANT fertility to barrenness and steriiity which
mark many lands where the earliest traces OF
mans civilization are found, are due to cos
| mical influences. The real cause is found in
the destruction of the forests which orce
clothed the surface, protecting it from the
heat OF the sun and from the winds. As man
destroyed this shelter, the desert approached
to destroy him and his works. In more tent
perate climates the effect is less marked, but
still apparent in the failure of springs and
wells, and the diminution of the volume OF
| alter for hydraulic and other purposes. Ac
tual damage has been done, and is now being
done. Can it be arrested? Can it be re-
paired? The ultimate sources of water-sup-
ply for the globe-the ocean surface-has
probably not materially changed in the historic
period, and consequently the average Of the
total rainfall may be the same as it always
has been. Meteorological observations ex-
tend over too limited period of time to war
rant any theory of alteration. The change
mentioned must be due then to the altered
modes by which the rainfall returns to the
ocean-to its distribution. wooded coun-
try detains the moisture which falls upon it,
giving time for its absorption and obstructing
the formation of rills and streams, and hence
S giving time for evaporation and producing hui
. midity ofthe atmosphere. The dampness of
house surrounded by dense shade is well
understood. Destruction of the forests re-
t verse all these conditions. The rainfall is
rapidly gathered into swift streams, reducing
floods of destructive power. There is, there.
fore, little time for absorption-springs and
wells fail. The climate becomes arid as the
earth becomes barren. The economical value
of timber and the diminution of the supply
were treated briefly. The need of timber for
the manifold uses of civilized life, rather than
considerations of climate or of water supply,
has led, in several countries in Europe, to
systems of management and regulation Of ma
tional forests as a measure of public economy.
Evensn British India such system has been
adopted. To protect or cultivate our forests
is to labor for the future. Hence the difficult
/ ty Of creating present interest in a remote
result. The people must be made familiar
with the facts they must be shown that a
: tree is an investment of great value. In this
work agricultural societies may do much.
The Highland Agricultural Society of Scot
land, has offered fourteen prizes for approved
reports upon the subject of tree culture and
its various relations. Schools of forestry have
long been in active operation on the Cont
nent. The necessity for such schools is sure
to arise in our own country.
Laws will be necessary to regulate, pro-
mote, and protect the growth of forests.
What can State do in this case without the
invasion of private rights!
l. BY Withholding from sale lands return
ing to its possession from non-payment of
taxes.
.. BY exempting from taxation for limited
period and by offering bounties for lands
planted and inclosed for the growth of forest
trees.
} 8. BY offering rewards for the lurgest num-
Der of trees planted in year.
4. By requiring railroad and turnpike COM
panies to plant the sides of their roads with
trees.
5. By imposing tree tax, payable by plant.
ing trees.
6. By fixing penalties for the destruction OF
trees by the wayside, in public or private
t grounds.
Z. By requiring the elements of forest cul.
ture to be taught in our public schools.
With respect to the failure Of the supply OF
f water for hydraulic power or navigation, OF
the use of cities, until woodland shade can be
restored to the sources Of rivers we must de.
pend on reservoirs to retain the surplus floods
| of winter for the wants of summer. The leg
islation which such system would require
was fully discussed. Mr.. Hough then con-
sdered the measures which have been taken
by the State of New York for the preserva-
ton of the Adirondack region-the gather
ing ground of the tributaries of the Hudson
; and many smaller streams. It's encircled by
girdle of civilization gradually pressing on
to from all sides. In 1872 the the Legislature
appointed Commissioner of State Parks to
examine and report upon the expediency of
! vesting in the State the title to the wild tim
d Der lands in the counties of Lewis, Essex,
q Clinton, franklin. st. Lawrence, Herkimer,
and Hamilton. On the advice Of the Com
IL mission already the sale Of lands for non pay
e ment Of taxes has been discontinued. Impor-
!, !aht questions involving the supply of water
!, TO the State canals, the restoration of hy-
IA draulic power on the rivers, and possibly the
Of future supply of New York city and the cities
ID ana towns along the Hudson with pure water
by an acqueduct from the crystal fountains
). OF the Hudson, may be considered, and a ct
j. opportunity given for presenting in the strong
r est light the Importance of protecting forests,
and of promoting the growth of trees, on ac-
n count of their influence on climate and upon
It the general welfare of the State.
4 These questions are not limited to partic-
- ular State but interest the nation generally,
S and it would be proper for this Association to
: take measures for bringing to the notice OF