The Coconino sun., 1921-09-16
PEARSON TELLS OF PIONEER U. s. EX- PERIMENTAL STATION AT FORT VALLEY

of forestry. In this country the great est scientific problem is to so manage the forests that they will restock nat urally and produce the most profit able stands of timber which the land is capable of producing. This calls into play great complex of natural factors including soil, moisture, heat, light, plant and animal life, all of which are more or less interdependent and react in an infinite number of ways to the slightest disturbances of their established balance.
 "To direct these forces by the linn ited means at the forester's command in such way as to realize the high est aims of silivculture requires breadth of training and experience, and an intimate familiarity with the various branches of science such as but few individuals can hope to at tain.
 Stations are Remote. "From physical point of view the forest experiment stations in this country are much smaller and less pretentious than the agricultural ex- pertinent stations. The latter are us- ually located in densely populated communities and we'll supported fin ancially, thus enabling them to com. mand the best of scientific talent, buildings, and other equipment.
 Forest experiment stations, in or der to be in the forest, are situated in more or less remote localities. They are pioneers in a new activity almost unknown to the general public. Be- cause of inadequate financial support they lack many of the material things which are considered necessary to make their work a success.
 "A mighty asset possessed by these stations, however, is the spirit of de- votion and youthful enthusiasm on part of their scientific men which has impelled them to make the personal sacrifices necessary to achieve suc- cess under difficulties, spirit which is characteristic of the entire forest service and which Is associated with the forestry movement everywhere in this country.
 "The Fort Valley experiment station was established at Flagstaff in order to meet the pressing need for forest research in the southwest and partic- ularly in the Flagstaff region, where numbering is most extensive and where consequently the most perplex- ing forest problems exist. From the outset, investigations relating to the natural reproductions of western yell low pine occupied the foreground in the program of the experiment sta tion.
 Pine Biggest Problem.
 Because of the importance of this tree and the difficulties attending it's perpetuation, this is by far the big gest forest problem in the southwest. It is true that in some sections, due largely to fortunate circumstances, reproduction is not an object of con cern, but the fact remains that un- less the foresters have the situation so well in hand that they can feel reas- onably sure of reproduction on any area which is logged, they are not practicing forestry but are merely ex- plotting the resources which nature has placed in their hands.
 "Other investigations taken up were artificial reforestation; normal rate of growth and decay; influence of the forest on climate conditions, the melting of snow and surface runoff, and lastly study of attempting to ascertain the growth requirements of all the more important trees in the southwest.
 Record of Planting.
 By means of permanent sample