New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-08-21
pPDHJEUS IN FORESTRY.

Some of the most serious economic problems
which this country has yet been called upon to
face are those which group themselves under
the comprehensive head of Forestry. The
production of timber and fuel to meet an ever
increasing demand is buS one phase OF the
general subject. More important Is the con-
nectOn between certain portions OF our western
forest area and steady water supply tor
rivers which alone can be depended upon for
purposes of irrigation. OF still more immediate
moment is u consideration Of the dangers from
mountain torrents which threaten parts OF Cal
ifOrnla Upon the practical answer we make
TO these and other questions depends the agrl-
cultural future Of the country throughout hun
drccls of thousands of square miles. They are
certainly worthy Of profound study by
trained and careful esiigators-worhy, that
is. OF inst the treatment which they are not
likely to receive at the hands of the American
Congress of Forestry, which begins its second
session at Montreal today, unless that body
has accumulated some Knowledge and deyel-
oped talent for straightforward, honest
work since its Cincinnati meeting.
The active participation 81 oar Commas
sioner of Agriculture and thc chief OF his Tor
eStry bureau would seem to give something
like an official Endorsement to any misleading
counsel Offered by amateur tree planters or
philanthropiSts with private axes to sharpen.
But fortunately no particular heed Is given to
the doings or sayings of these gentlemen.
Oar Commissioner of Agriculture is usually
the last man TO whom any farmer would
Apply for information which he needed in his
calling, and Dr.. UJugh IS not likely 10 be con-
sidcrcd a leading authority on forestry,
although he has had the opportunity to learn
something since he has been in the service OF
the Government The Congress therefore will
not be able to do much harm although the
mass-meeting method of dealing with scientific
problems is essentially yicou). unless Doctor
Loring succeeds in prevailing upon the National
Government to publish its proceedings. ANY
convention of Sunday school teachers, temper
ance advocates, -vaccinationists, or. other
worthy people inflimcd with Il desire to do
good" TO somebody, would have the same
right 10 ask Government to publish their de-
lIverdnccs ut the peoples expense. But when
ihe Cincinnati Congress made this astounding
demand the Congressional Printing Committee
reported favoraby upon it.
Perhaps the very existence of a Forestry Con-
gress should be considered encouraging because
it proves growing popular interest III the
subject. The gentlemen who like to hear them
selves talk, and are eager to have their utter
ances printed without paying the printer never
attach themselves to any cause until it assumes
the proportions and dignity of Il " movement
The danger is that those who adhere to it be-
cause it contains possible appropriation will
cast discredit upon the whole subject. No
doubt many sincere people will send papers to
this meeting with an unscliish desire to edu-
cate popular opinion still further. They should
be careful to direct their efforts through legt-
innate channels of influence, and IN concert
with those whose abilities are recognized, whose
doctrine is sound aud whose motives are never
questioned.