New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-06-24
THE FOREST WEALTH OF MEXICO.

The untold treasures or gOlu anu sn'ei III
the mines of Mexico have dazzled the eyes OF
Adventures for centuries so that the world
has been practically blind to the marvellous
forest wealth of that country. or late years,
however. the increased demand for beautiful
cabinet material has made it profitable to ex-
mort some of the fine grained woods which
flourish there, and the waning lumber supply
of this country has called attention 10 the
value of Mexican timber trees. our sister
republic is to be congratulated on the lact
that its Central Government has awakened 10
an appreciation of its wealth in this particular
The frat practical step in what promises to
be a comprehensive forest policy has just been
taken by the Government in contracting Tor
the planting of two million trees in the famous
Valley of Mexico, which was stripped long
ago of its forests. These trees are 10 De
PLANTED in four years, at the rate OF oOo,ooo
per annum. and the young OF each variety-
ash, eucalyptus, acacias, hgustIum Japonl-
cum, and the rest-are to be MAIN
tanned for two years by the contractor
before he is paid for the planting. It's not
nrobable that the Government is very FAR In
advance of public sentiment in so important
a matter, and no doubt private planters VIII
keen abreast of the National authorities in the
enterprse. The scheme announced includes
the translation of standard treatlses on syIvi-
culture and the education of certain graduates
of the school of agriculture in the science OF
forestry.
II is not TO be presumed that n nation will de-
Iberate!y set about the planting of trees and al
low ifs wealth of standing timber to be reck-
lessly squandered. Lying, rs Mexico does, in
both the temperate and toTrid zones, with
copious rainfall, great variety OF aborescent
growth is insured. But in addition to tins, It's
varied surface with high table lands and lofty
mountain ranges, offers still greater variety
of climatic conditions. Oaks and pines, and
even alpine plants, flourish on the tanks CT the
mountains, while trees which furnish the dyes
and gums and fruits of the tropics are found at
their base. Over one hundred species OF trees
whose wood is of economical value are known
to be indigenous, while trees which grow any
where IN the world could probably be acclm
ated in some part of the Republic. We know
little here of the most valuable Mexican ca6i-
net woods, but they show tone and texture
superior to the finest products OF the East. and
have been introduced in many of the newer
bindings OF California with striking effect. III
the step lust taken by the Federal Government
is the beginning Of comprehensive system OF
forest management which looks to the preser-
walton of a constant supply of these choice for
est products, the civilized world will reap
substantial advantage and an unfalling source
of National wealth will be established.
The fact that 90 little is known OF the
products of Mexican forests even at home
ought TO point out to the authorities the neces-
sity of making thorough appralsement OF
their resources. Notwithstanding the immense
mineral wealth of Mexico no adequate geolog-
zeal survey Of the country has ever been made.
Such survey, which would include a careful
examination of the soils and forests az well as
of the mines and quarres of the country, giving
a correct estimate of the natural wealth OF the
Republic, would prove an Immediately profit
able in gestment Without doubt many new
fields of industry would be discovered by skilled
scientific research, and, what is perhaps still
more important, an authoritative statement of
the value and variety of the cOuntry's products
would stimulate immigration and enterprise.
Capital seeks investment in fields which are
thoroughly and accurately known. A survey
like that which has been undertaken by several
OF our own States, and an investigation of the
quality and quantity Of forest products like
that Just completed by our present Census
Bureau, would give the world what it has never
yet possessed-an accurate idea of the com
mercial possibilities of Mexico.