Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-08-07
FREELAND, PA, AUGUST 7, 1899.
Interest in Forestry Is Growing.
rom Philadelphia Forest Leaves.


From Philadelphia Forest Leaves
Evidences of the increased apprecia-
tion 0f the necessity of the care of
forests and the preservation of tree
growth are presented to all who have
occasion to travel. Fortunately for the
country these evidences are not con
fined to individual locations or limited
to single states, although the extent to
which forestal conditions and possibili-
ties are realized are more pronounced
in few states than in others.
There is, however, no doubt but that
interest in forestry is growing, and
growing rapidly, and those who years
ago were active in initial efforts to ex-
cite interest in the protection and pro-
pagation of forest growths are seeing
the seeds of progress which they assist
ed in planting develop into plants of i'm
portance.
In late journeys which have covered
twenty-five states and Il portion Of the
dominion of Canada, we saw many evil
dences of increasing interest in arbori-
culture and forest care, and found a
strong sentiment favoring protection to
trees almost universal. These give us
renewed faith in the belief which has
been expressed frequently in Forest
Leares that the cause of forestry num-
bers more friends than its champions
realize. To assemble and organize
locally the friends of the trees is the
problem which offers the most encour-
agement.
While individual expressions of CO.
operation are encouraging and valuable
aids to any movement, the best results
are obtained by the association OF those
interested in n common cause. We are
convinced that much of the progress
made in the interest of forestry is due
to state and national associations, and
realize that this is certainly the case in
Pennsylvania.
Without an organization it would have
been impracticable, if not impossible, to
have secured the legislation which has
been passed in several states, and the
National Forestry Association has de-
which it has eXerted upon congressional
action, especially as regards forest
reserves.
We therefore welcome as an evidence
of advance the organization of state or
local forestry associations. Each in its
own sphere of influence can aid to cry
stallize movement which has friends
everywhere among those who think.
Apparently some who have been active
in organized movements have become
discouraged because the success hoped
for was not Immediately evident.
We are not among those who dscour-
age sentimental interest in forestry, for
we appreciate individual trees or forests
for their beauty and shade. We, how
ever, realize that forestry means more
than sentiment. 1t is business, the in
iluence of which is widespread One
illustration of the business influence of
forests will suffice.
The presence or absence of forests af-
feet the climate and the water supply,
and these affect various industries.
The transmission of power by com
pressed air and by electricity, and i'm
provemcnts in water-motors, are well
supplemented by a sentiment encourag-
ing the maintenance of forested areas,
which in turn conserve water so as to
increase the value Of streams for the
production of power. The activity in
water-power development will demand
recognition of the value of forests for
maintaining the flow of streams which
are or which may be used for power