Gloucester County Democrat., 1908-07-16
GLOUCESTER COUNTY +
Z HISTORICAL SOCIETY

county unuer the Rose YAK lase Elluay
afternoon, July 10, and most enjoyable
and profitable session was held. We are
able TO give only synopsis of the address
Of State Forester Gaskill In substance be
said:-
Its a privilege to speak under one of
these old prize oaks.
In Southern New Jersey there are several
venerable trees, and Gloucester county is
the proud possessor of many of them, and
some of the most remarkable. The preser-
yation OF our trees is vital question, and
it is a vital problem for the people of to-
day.
A gathering of foresters in Washington
lately was an inspired meeting, and the in
spiration was due to the need of a definite
project for tue treatment and Development
of our forest interests.
1t is not belittling the subject of agricul-
ture, mineral resources or the waterways TO
say that the forests presented paramount
inter EST.
The aesthetic feature with beautiful land
scapes are all right, but the preservation of
our forests have a commercial aspect.
Small as our State is, nearly one-half
of its area is woodland. We have more
than ,000, 900 acres and more than one-half
Of il will never be used other than for the
production of trees.
We cannot expect the owners will handle
them for the benefit Of the sightseer and
sentimentalist. The owner has right to
cut his own trees down. If those that de-
sire their preservation would make it worth
while for the owners to desist, he would
be glad to do so. Every bit of lumber that
can be produced in New Jersey, can have
home market.
There is no forest owner but what will
give the public the full use of his grounds
for roaming upon, if he will behaye him
self.
Forest commissioners are trying to show
what benefit is is to maintain and obtain
them
If the forests are not cut out the forest
dies OF stagnation; unless the mature tree
is taken out the forest stands still
II is justiiable to cut forest trees, but
not venerable and historic one like this.
A tree like this is not worth much for
lumber, and no State has such a cretitable
example of the old forest growth.
You can find large trees and more stately,
but they are remnants of the original forest.
The chief means by which forests are to
be given value is the suppression of for
est fires, that is, those fires that are started
carelessly and allowed to run without re-
straint.
In this State there is an organization for
the purpose Of controlling these destructive
forest fires.
In former years as much as 250, 600 were
destroyed in one year. The minimum was
10000.
A year ago, under the protection the For
est Commission was only I2, 900, while this
wear due to the early drought it may reach
10000. We can prevent fires by having
men hired to look after them and put the
FIRE out as soon as discovered.
Communities are divided up and Fire
Commissioners assigned to certain districts
and they are required to attend to this
duty.
That is such protection as assures the
owner, and he is encouraged to greater ef-
fort for their Developments.
On account Of this protection, land Yai-
ues haye increased, and owners not so eager
so sell.
No use keeping lot OF scrub and brush
where green lumber will grow.
The meanest land will yield comething.
25 cents an acre will more than pay the
taxes.
Forest culture requires little labor.
Every farmer in the old country has
Bit Of woodland from which he CLEANS fuel
and lumber for his own use. Movements
for the planting OF trees in cities are i'm
portant, but they will not grow and thrive
Il she ground is covered up close TO the
trunk with tight concrete payements. They
need breathing spaces.
In Washington, D. c., the space is re-
quired TO be at least three feet By eigi
around the tree.
Cities can haYe commissioners to care for
the trees within their districts, and owners
can be assessed to compel the planting Of
trees along their fronts; the city in most
cases assuming the care thereafter.
This ia done in Paris, Berlin, and in our
State such cities as East Orange and New
ark. The leaking Of gas hurts them, and
gas companies can be compelled to stop the
leaks. Trees need cultivation and fertil-
iziDg.
The American elm is one of the best
for cities, Norway NAPLES are good, but is
affected with blight, The sugar maple is
NOS so good in paved streets. The honey
locust and red oak will grow in poor soil.
The japanese gingko is another desirable
tree. The horse chestnut, for low ground,
and The sweet gum in damp soil. The
linden is good, but will not stand the re-
Aected heat Of the paved street.
Trees should be trimmed in winter, but
they do not need il as much as many think.
Cnt oul dead parts and cover over wounds
with lead or Tar.
Dead limbs absorb sap and moisture, and
are injurious. Cultivate around the trees.
Hollow trees can be helped by filing in
with concrete. but be careful Of the joint
that wafer viii not settle. The main thing
Is ID keen The water out Stop the hollow
nboye Tia concrete Will shrink.