Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1910-04-07

QHE government IL now carrying
on investigative work at regu-
lar forest experiment stations
similar to the agricultural ex-
pertinent stations In the differ-
emit statss. The first forest ex-
pertinent station created In this coun-
try was the Coconino experiment sta
ton at Flagstaff. Ariz.. established last
summer. Investigations covering many
phases OF forestry In the southwest
have already been undertaken at this
station. The second forest experiment
station has been established this year
on Pixies Peak. Colorado.
The need for such stations becomes
apparent when the long time neces-
sary for handling forst experiments is
considered. In agricultural expert
ments definite results can usually be
obtained In one or at most a few
years: in forestry. because of the long
time required for trees to develop.
scores Of years are often required to
complete a single experiment
All experimental work is conducted
under the direction Of men who have
had thorough training In technical
and practical forestry. Every ex-
pertinent has q direct bearing upon
some problem which vitality concerns
the management OF the forest. Every
experiment will be pursued until con-
elusive results are obtained. and every
man conducting investigative work
will be given an opportunity to put his
recommendations to the test In actual
field work. Under this system every
new plan can be thoroughly tried be-
fore being put into practice on a large
scale, and thus the injury resulting
from mistaken practices can be mini
mixed.
The greatest technical problem
which now cohfronts the forester in
handling the great pine forests Of
Arizona and New Mexico is that Of
establishing a new stand Of trees to
replace the old timber which Is cut
on. This was the FIRST problem un-
dertaken by the Coconino experiment
station. Much valuable information
regarding the factors influencing ma
tural reproduction has already been
secured. but many years Of systematic
study will be required to fully solve
the problem. The feasibility Of artifi-
cial regeneration by planting and SOW
ing ID also being tested. The latter
experiments, for the sake of economy,
are being conducted on the smallest
scale which will insure reliable re-
suits applicable to general conditions.
The plans for the near future pro-
vide for detailed study OF the prob
lens concerning the natural and arti-
flcial regeneration of other CONNER
cial tres, such as Douglas FIR. Engel-
man spruce and the jumpers.
Tests will be made Of trees intro
duced from Qher regions. with the
view Of findine other species adapted
to planting in this region. which are
superior to the native trees.
One important problem which will
occupy much attention at the expert
ment station for number of years
10 the determination of the rate Of
growth of immature trees left on an
area after logging. In scientific for
estry. as practiced In many European
countries. every tract Of timber is so
handled a. to yield perpetual supply
Of material, harvested at regular In
tervals.
In order to establish such a system
Of management. 1t is necessary to
know for each area logged how soon
It is practicable to return for second
cut, and the yield which can be expect
ed at that time; and in order to do
this. II IL necessary to determine how
FAST trees Of different ages grow after
the mature timber has been removed.
These data viii be secured by periodic
measurements Of all trees on typical
cut.over areas on different forests in
Arasons and New Mexico. During the