The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-01-04
Our Fertile Forests.

The inevitable result of the destruc-
tion of American forests seems to be
plain to every one except those engaged
in this species of vandalism and the
lawmakers of various states who are
dilatory in enaCting measures for the
protection of our woodlands. The SYRIA
cuse Journal in a timely article calls
attention to the fertility of the forests
that are fast disappearing under the
axe of the grasping lumberman.
There is more fertility and possible
wealth in our forests" says the Jour
nal, than we can account for without
stopping to consider and figuring a lit
tie. In the first place we have an end
less variety of delicious nuts which
side dishes for the holidays. There are
the squirrels which are reared on the
same food and when brought to. the
table give us the nutty flavor of the
woods. The wild game of the forest
preserve is all that is left US now as far
as the open markets are concerned and
its eXtravagant price is sufficient evil
dence of the demand which rules at
this season of the year. Ruffed grouse
would be luxury of the past We're it
not for the care exercised by game con-
stables and forest commissioners. The
state fish and game association which
assemblies in this city this month will
produce some statistics on the latter
subject which should engage the atten-
ton of every man who knows how to
use a fowling-plece and is fond of TAX
| ing a bird-dog into the woods What
would become Of the sport if the for
ests We're not protected and, by that
| same token, what will happen to the
| vanishing birds if the earth is not rid
| of the pot-hunter. one of these ra5-
Gals has killed a thousand grouse with
! in three months-mOst of which went
| straight to the metropolis in lots of two
and three hundred. How long are we
| likely to have ruffed grouse if that is
| allowed to continue. 1t is bad enough
to have the game preserves pass into
| private control but it is a thousand
times better than allowing the forests
to be destroyed or given up to such
slaughter hunting as this. our for
estry system is still in its infancy, but
| sufficient attention has been given tC
the subject to warrant the assertion
that within another decade we shall be
compelled to extend the field of opera
tions in order to furnish an adequate
/ supply of water to the canal. Actua
| experiment has demonstrated the .fact
that forests are indispensable adjuncts
of high level springs, and if the cana
system is to be improved with an idea
of making it practically beneficial tC
the consumer, forestry must be looked
after all along the lines of interior
lakes.
"Heilbronn forests are cut every
twenty years with the inevitable resul
that denudation dries up the springs
and water courses. but as soon as tn,
trees become luXurlant again th
: springs bubble up anew and the wate
courses resume their music and ferti
lizing benehcence. Inland navigation
plays an important part in this econ
omy of nature, not only by cheapenini
| transportation, hut also by sending lit
) tie rivulets of water through the low
lands, here and there, adjoining tn
2 canals where trees start spontaneous
{ and are usually allowed to stand in or