Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-04

the country, from the familiar pine and
cedar forests of Jersey to the giant growths
OF the Sierra Nevada slopes. and with ell
phases of the subject, from the growth of
the seed, the grain and character of the
wood to the influence of forests on climates
and fertility of adjacent lands. this work
OF the Department of Agriculture. by means
OF actual photographs, forms a complete
history of the forest conditions as they pre-
vail today In the United States.
Forestry epdeavors to foster the lumber
ing industry. not to hamper il. The wood
OF tree that dies in the forest is almost
wholly wasted. For, according to the au-
thor, while the rotting trunk may serve
10 retain moisture, there is little use for
tue carbon, oxygen and hydrogen which
make up its greater part. The mineral con-
sIIuentS alone form useful fertilizer but
most often there is already an abundance
OF similar material in the soil. Not only is
the atd tree lost, but ever since its matur-
lty lChaS done little more than intprCept
TO no'good purpose. the light which wound
otherwise have given vitality to a valuable
crop OF young trees. 1t Is only when The
ripe wood is harvested properly and in
time that the forest attains its highest
usefulness. An example of what may be
accomplished by properly paying attention
10 tne preservation of the young growth
While cutting the mature crop is shown in
the instance quoted by the author of a
forest In Switzerland, where scientific meth
obs nave been observed in the cutting of
the wood. This forest has yielded yearly
! crop. without replanting ever since before
the discovery of America and vet today il
shows fine growth of marketable Iuin-
ber
Some very interesting facts in regard to
The origin of forests are brought to light in
inns work. Many agencies are employed
pF nature for the planting of seeds in good
ground, among which are the winds birds
ana animals. A remarkable demonstration
OF the part birds may play in this work is
TO be seen in natural avenue of red
cedars to be found in New Jersey These
uees are all seedlings, grown from seeds
winch have been dropped by birds which
perched on the fences OF course. the trees
have been kept from growing I'm clumps.
yet The Work of the birds is Cer.ainIy IN Qus
and unexpected.
OF all the foes of the forest next to rock
less numbering, fire is the most destructive
and. unfortunately, too frequent Some
hres burn over whole counties and others
only few acres, but in the aggregate the
loss by fire to the numbering and agricul-
turaI interests of the country is enormous.
Forestry is almost powerleSS to prevent
nres, except by the enforcement of legisla-
tlon making the careless firing of wood
lands q criminal OftenSe. 1t does however.
oHer many suggestions for the reforeSting
OF burned-over areas, and for the preven-
tlon oil fires Many forest fires are attribu-
ted to sparks from locomotives, and one of
the latest ideas for the avoidance of these
Is a ire line along railroad, wiz two
cleared spaces, separated by double row
OF trees intended 10 catch the sparks. Such
strips, kept free from all in1ia NINA bic ma
terlai, are very useful in checking small
fires. and of immense value as lines of de-
tense in fighting large ones.