which the Yale Forest, Keene, New Hampshire and the Harvard
Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts, are outstanding instances. These
forests serve, not only as research and experimental laboratories,
but also as practical demonstrations of the possibilities of operating
small tracts on a commercial basis.
With few exceptions, all engaged in forestry practice at present
are interested chiefly in methods of cutting mature timber in such a
way that reforestation is accomplished by natural seeding and by
growth of seedlings already started at the time of cutting. Only in
exceptional cases is planting and artificial reseeding being under-
taken, because of the initial high cost which must be carried through-
out the life of the forest at compound interest. Planting is neces-
sary, however, where lands are devoid of tree growth. If forestry
is to be financially feasible initial costs must be kept low because of
the long periods involved and the rapid mounting of interest
charges.
Many instances can be cited of individuals and companies that
have for years been pioneering the field of commercial forestry.
They have done this in most instances with the utmost patience in
spite of discouraging conditions and without public support. It can
be safely said that forestry is making real headway. But the or-
ganization of forest management cannot be accomplished quickly.
[t must be a gradual development along fundamentally sound lines.
0 38 ]