The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-02-05
FOREST AND STREAMS.
For the Protection of the Former and To
Keep Pure the Latter This Writer


To the Editor of The Republican.
The Maryland Geological Survey of
Garrett county is now ready for dis
tribution. A very interesting and
instructive publication. This is the
first scientific survey and report of
the resources of our county as we I'M
derstand. This report does not claim
to be final and exhaustive, but is to
followed by supplemental statements
after more thorough investigation
and examination.
The very valuable and practical
chapter on Forestry, we commend,
and ask for it the most careful con-
sideration of our people. This per-
haps, more deeply concerns the pub
lie than any other subject treated.
The legislation recommended for the
protection and preservation of our
forests should concern all good citi-
zens. We all have live interest in
these matters and each should do
what we can for the betterment of
our estate. Garrett county was once
well wooded with many of the most
valuable varieties of timber. Today
less than $4,000 acres of virgin forest
remains. This will soon perish. A
number of large mills are cutting
everything in sight. Fire follows to
finish the spoilation. Less than one
half of Garrett county is suitable for
agriculture and that is seriously if
not fatally affected by the loss of for
ests. The climate is colder, the streams
failing, floods destroying roads and
bridges, snow drifts closing for weeks
many of our roads, our farmers COM
planning of damages done their fields
by using them as roads, buildings and
fences burnt by forest fires, game ex-
terminated, our streams drying up
and deserted by fish.
Capitalist and tourist, student and
sportsman alike criticise this wanton
waste and condemn the ignorance
and folly of those who could and
should have protected our possessions.
That number of non resident lum-
bermen should have taken possession
of. our county and hold the property
by the throat without protest is pre-
posterous. If it were possible to re-
store the timber as it covered the
mountains and valleys of Garrett
county century ago, it would bring
more money today than the present
assessment.
1t is predicted that our minerals
are of equal value, but if our remain
ing resources are to be wasted and
dissipated as in the past the sons of
the hardy, honest pioneers, who clear
ed and developed our county, Will die
in poverty. We cannot restore the
lost, but if intelligent effort and con
certed action is Immediately taken,
something may be effected in protect
ing the remnant left us, and guard
against ignorance, cup.dity and van
dalism in the future.
The loss will always be regretted by
those who see, feel and suffer from
the effects. To them we appeal for
aid, assistance and encouragement in
awakening an interest and arOusing
a sentiment for a movement toward
practical legislation for the protection
of our remaining forests.
The maple sugar crop of Garrett
county is estimated at $25, 900 annual
ly. The bulk of this is produced in
the Casselman Valley. The output
could be doubled if all the orchards
were utilized and modern methods
and improvements adopted. To pro-
tect these orchards and to increase
their product is the object of this
article
A number of the largest and best
situated orchards are now in the hands
of mill men and will be numbered. At
least so years are required to grow
maple orchard of suitable size to tap.
They will produce, if properly cared
for 200 years. An average tree will net
75c yearly in sugar. The crop is made
in the early spring when no other
work can be done on the farm. Sugar
always brings the cash. The grade
and price is improving. We know of
well-to-do farmers who have paid for
their property from this crop. In
deed, many farms will be abandoned
if the sugar camps are destroyed.
Pure maple sugar is luxury and a
delicacy. The product of Garrett
county is rated the fairest in the mar
ket. Our golden syrup outclassed
the finest French confectionery. Like
the honey of Hybla-once tasted
never forgotten. No poets fancy ever
painted sylvan scene equaling in
Arcadian beauty the maple groves of
Garrett county. The value of our Or
chards will only be realized after
they are destroyed. They can
never be restored When properly
managed they are the richest herit-
age left MS Taking the most salfSh