The Republican journal., 1882-10-12
Our American Forests.

Prof. Charles S. Sargent's article on '"The
Protection of Forests in the North American
Review, may be regarded as a summary of the
conclusions drawn from his work at the head
of the forestry division of the tenth census. AS
such it is one of the most important contr-
| buttons to the literature of our American for
estS, and affords the most comprehensive sur
ycys of the situation yet made. Prof. Sargent dis
pels effectually some fallaceS regarding the for
ess. notably the belief that they have any effect
on the rainfall, and he urges the repeal of the
| timber culture act, a step which the Herald has
earnestly advised since it has failed entirely in
| accomplishing its purpose, and has already cost
the government millions Of acres of land, with
out any return whatever. apart from its
WorthleSsne>s as a means of securing the
growth of forests. this law is deceptivc and
therefore dangerous. 1t encourages the plant
ing of trees where trees cannot grow unless
artiticially irr gated and thus entails LOSSES up
on honest settlers. deceived in the belief that
| the government would not encourage impractic-
able and useless planting"
AS to our timber resources we are told that the
forests of the country are still capable of yield
ing annually a large amount OF material and of
doing 50 for many years. The effect of local eX-
haustion. however is already felt in many
parts. and the steadily increasing distance be
tween the forests and the great centres Of dis
tribution is advancing the price Of all lum-
bcr. But the days Of a real timber famine are
not very near, and I'VE can Still boast although
~ nVhi'Mh h hNN tAallcN - II tAii iOf hItIlN I,
OF lhe forest covering so generously spread
out 1of US.
me FOREST Is regarded, however, from far
more important point OF view than that of
timber supply. Its influence upon climate and
fertility of the soil, its storing ND of the rain
fall ana prevention OF both disastrous dronthS
and devastating floods, are it, most important
functions. The great economic value Of the
American forest is shown in tho fact that every
year 1t Yields not lar from 900 worth of
raw material, giving employment directly and
indirectly to nearly l,0Oo,00o lalr Of hands,
While It's maximum productive capacity i not
yet nearly reached IhlS Is the first authentic
statement OF the commerclal worth of the
forest IN itself, and II Is surprisingly large.
IL therefore Is most important thlt TINS most
important element OF our national prosperity
| should pc carefully guarded, not only for the
Sake OF ITS direct yield. but for Its protective
| powers, now seriously threatened IN many
| quarters.
In certain parts OF the country, where
| thGfe Is suihclent ralniall the forest growth
Will Take care OF NStIl, aS on the northwest
coast-ln other parts, now we'll covered, IN"
conOltlolls OF clln1ale drc at present Such, per-
maps through geologlcal changes, lhat should
the present growth be destroyed, il could not
| renew Itself, and the country would be made
| desert such for instance, Is the condition of
| the interior forests between the Pacific ranges
and the Rocky mountains. 'tirc IS the greatest
tncn! 10 the Anci itiii forests next to iilc tc
| browsing animal !nlllctS upon It the greatest
damage; and the American people, IN generally
using their woodland for paSturage, have att-
| opttd thc sureSt methoa 10 compass the hnal
| destruction Of their forests.