FORESTS IN AMERICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1189, 12 September 1874, Page 3

FORESTS IN AMERICA.

The Americans have already begun to discover the inconveniences that follow deforesting, and, on the recommendation of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Committee on Public Lands have prepared a Bill for the appointment of a Commissioner of Forestry. From a report giving a careful estimate of the percentage of woodlands in the United States as against European countries, it appears that the United States comes fifth in the list. Norway is first, having 66 per cent, of woodlands, and Portugal last, having only 4 per cent. Sweden has 60 per cent., Russia in Europe 40, Germany 26, Belgium 18, while Great Britain is only slightly superior to Portugal, being returned as only having 5. As regards the United States itself, the Southern States come first with amounts of from 40 to 60 per cent. ; the Eastern Middle, and North- Western States from 20 to 40 per cent. ; and the Western and Prairie States from 5 to 20 per cent. For many of the purposes for which wood was formerly used, stone and iron are now substituted. As fuel coal is taking its place, and as fences wire is generally used. Still, the destruction of forests is a matter of consequence, inasmuch as the climatic and sanitary condition of the country is affected. As a protection against winds, and in keeping up the supply of water in streams, trees are invaluable, and there is no wonder the subject has forced itself \ipon the attention of the people of America. The report to which reference has been made proves the folly of destroying timber, and the need of planting and cultivating trees, by which it is shown tracts formerly deemed valueless, and often unhealthy, have been rendered valuable and remunerative. The decimation of forests demands the attention it is now about to receive, if, as we are told, hardly an extensive tract of timber can now be found within sight of any old railway. The unscrupulous recklessness which has destroyed forests that

years ago seemed inexhaustible, has been exhibited in this country as well as in America, and it would be an advantage if some means could be adopted to teach our population the value of trees.— Globe.