The Pennsylvania Forestry Association,
FOUNDED IN JUNE, 1886,

Labors to disseminate information in regard to the necessity and methods of forest culture and preservation, and to secure the enactment and enforcement of proper forest protective laws, both State and National.

Annual membership fee, Two dollars.
Life membership, Twenty-five dollars.

Neither the membership nor the work of this Association is intended to be limited to the State of Pennsylvania. Persons desiring to become members should send their names to the Chairman of the Membership Committee, 1012 Walnut Street, Phila.

President, John Birkinbine.

Vice-Presidents, Wm. S. Harvey, James C. Haydon, Albert Lewis, Richard Wood,

General Secretary, Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock.

Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. John P. Lundy.

Recording Secretar, F. L. Bitler.

Treasurer, Charles L. Pancoast.

Finance, W. S. Harvey, Chairman; Dr. Henry M. Fisher, W. W. Frazier, Charles E. Pancoast, and J. Rodman Paul.

Membership, Dr. J. T. Rothrock, Mrs. George F. Baer, Edwin Swift Balch, Hon. Lucien W. Doty, Charles W. Freedley, W. W. Scranton, Albert B. Weimer, Dr. Samuel Wolfe, and Hon. S. P. Wolverton.

Law, Hon. W. N. Ashman, Chairman; Henry Budd, Charles Hewett, and John A. Siner.

Publication, John Birkinbine, Chairman; F. L. Bitler, Alfred S. Haines, Alfred Paschall, and Harrison Souder.

Work, Mrs. Brinton Coxe, Chairman; Mrs. George T. Heston, Miss E. L. Lundy, Mrs. John P. Lund, William S. Kirk, and Abraham S. Schropp.

County Organization, Samuel Marshall, Chairman; Eugene Ellicott, James C. Haydon, Dr. J. Newton Hunsberger, and Richard Wood.

Office of thE ASSOCIATION, 1012 WALNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA,

I

EDITORIALS.

N our last issue we stated that a noble specimen of elm tree, which for more than two centuries has stood near the centre of Philadelphia, would be sacrificed to give way to a commercial block, and we reproduce a view of this impressive tree which we published in the year 1894.

The fact that the elm had been a feature of the old Vaux Botanical Garden, and stood for many years as an adornment to private grounds, although somewhat deformed by the cutting made so as to allow the electric wires to pass it, attracted considerable attention and more or less veneration. These, combined with the business tact of the contractor, resulted in lively bidding at an auction held on August 19th last, when the tree was felled. It was reported that the tree, sold in sections, netted to the contractor over $2000; not by reason of the intrinsic value of the wood, but because of a sentiment which had grown up concerning the tree.

The removal of this "oldest inhabitant" was a source of regret to many, but it may probably prove a vicarious sacrifice by developing a wider interest in tree-culture and the preservation of the few monarchs which now remain.

In commenting upon the removal of this elm the Philadelphia Public Ledger presents the following editorial under the caption :

"An Unenviable Reputation."

"The destruction of the famous old elm, perhaps the finest tree of its kind in the Middle States, is only one of a train of circumstances which are likely to give this city an unenviable reputation.

Measured solely by the standard of dollars and cents, the passing of this beautiful landmark was perhaps inevitable, but the pity of it is that there is no such strong public sentiment

in Philadelphia as to compel attention to the higher standards of civic beauty.

"Whether caused by considerations of immediate profit, as in the present instance, whether the result of official supineness and unredeemed philistinism, as when the criminal destruction of the noble oaks of Sherwood was permitted, or whether the wanton cutting down of trees is the work of irresponsible workmen, the consequences to Philadelphia are the same. What is needed by those who are responsible for this vandalism is a realization of the enormity of their offence, an awakening to the feeling of contempt aroused in every enlightened and cultured mind by each recurring crime of this sort until the commission of it becomes so thoroughly unpopular that it will be no longer a reproach and a disgrace to the city."

We are not prone to hold in high estimation the things which are familiar to us, passing daily points of historical interest which others travel hundreds of miles to view. We have grown familiar with trees, and it is only in late years that their value and importance have been appreciated and the time necessary for their reproduction understood.

For between 200 and 250 years the noble elm referred to above has continued to grow, an hour's work with the axe and some tackle ended its career, and only as this end approached was its true importance understood.

The elm is now a matter of history. May we hope that the regret expressed at its destruction will encourage an appreciation of other living trees and a realization of the value of forests. J. B. *

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WITH the close of vacation season many readers of FOREST LEAVES have returned to their homes; benefitted, we hope, by a sojourn in the forests, and encouraged by closer acquaintance with wooded areas to greater activity for the cause of forestry in Pennsylvania.

Some return indignant at the evidences of reckless destruction of the forest by wholesale, caused by cutting without considering the future, and by preventable forest fires. Others are provoked at the marring of nature's beauties by cutting away or wasting forest growth at points where such slashing destroys a magnificent landscape.

Probably no one locality has received so much .ttention this year, because of such marring of a andscape, as the Delaware Water Gap, and the action of the railway company responsible for his has been vigorously attacked in the newspapers of eastern cities.

It is quite probable that the rock exposures in the narrow part of the Gap, which the Delaware River has cut through the mountains, offer, from

a commercial standpoint, a satisfactory location. for a quarry and an extensive crushing plant for the preparation of railroad ballast, but it is also probable that the same character of rock could have been obtained near by without largely increasing the expenditure, and without seriously marring the natural features. As it is, the restful and impressive view of the Water Gap, with its verdure-clad mountain slopes, is destroyed by an extensive quarry and large aggregation of buildings, which offend the eye from most of the points from which good vistas are obtainable.

The railroad company, responsible for this installation, uses the fact that the Delaware Water Gap is on its route as an advertisement to attract travel, but has introduced a feature which offends the eye and which seriously detracts from the beauties of the natural surroundings. Residents of and visitors to the Water Gap are naturally indignant, and this indignation has been widely voiced by the public press.

The policy of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, and the sentiment expressed by its organ— FOREST LEAVES- has been to recognize the necessity of utilizing the forests, and often of sacrificing the beauties of nature to obtain business advantage, and while it is not the purpose of this editorial to condemn, on ex parte testimony, the action of the railroad in establishing this quarry and crushing plant, familiarity with the topographical and geological conditions suggest that a consideration for the æsthetic features, and regard for the enjoyments these give to many visitors, would have permitted of carrying out the business purposes without marring the impressive scenery of the Delaware Water Gap.

This instance is merely mentioned as one of the number which could be referred to, and to help educate a public sentiment, which, as far as possible, will insist upon the preservation of the natural beauty of the mountain and forest.

The yearly vacations permit of changes of surroundings, acquaintance with new territory, and, to those accustomed to urban life, opportunity to appreciate the beneficent influence of forest, mountain or ocean. The closer we get to nature the better are we equipped for life's duties.

J. B.

We understand that the Attorney General of the State of Pennsylvania has made application for a temporary injunction restraining the railroad company from continuing operations at the quarry at the Delaware Water Gap, which will determine the legal status in this matter. We are sure the readers of FOREST LEAVES will be interested in the outcome.

Autumn Arbor Day.

"WHAT do we plant when we plant the tree?

We plant the ship which will cross the sea, We plant the mast to carry the sails, We plant the plank to withstand the gales, The keel, the keelson, and beam and knee. We plant the ship when we plant the tree.

What do we plant when we plant the tree?
We plant the houses for you and me;
We plant the rafters, the shingles, the floors;
We plant the studding, the lath, the doors,
The beams, and siding, all part that be.
We plant the house when we plant the tree.

What do we plant when we plant the tree?
A thousand things that we daily see.
We plant the spire that out-towers the crag;
We plant the staff for our country's flag;
We plant the shade, from the hot sun free-
We plant all these when we plant the tree."

HENRY ABBEY.

Since the establishment of Arbor Day more than thirty years ago millions of trees have been planted within the borders of our land, and thousands of acres have been set apart for the purposes of forestry. The observance of Arbor Day has extended not merely to every State of the Union, but to France, Japan and other countries beyond the sea.

Since many schools are not in session during the April Arbor Days, and since trees can be planted in the fall as well as in the spring of the year, it has become customary in Pennsylvania for the schools to observe an Autumn Arbor Day. For this purpose

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1905,

is named as a suitable day for the current year, and the schools are urged to observe the day by the planting of trees and by other exercises designed to stimulate an interest in the science and art of forestry.

NATHAN C. SCHAEFFER, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The 1904 Report of the Department of Waters and Forests of France gives the area of the state forests as 1,169,820 hectares, or 2,911,625 acres. The latest financial returns, those for 1903, were 29,373,903 francs, or $5,727,911, an average of nearly $2 per acre. The value of the wood cut was 21,247,520 francs, and the income from other sources 8,126,383 francs. The value of the wood imported into France in 1904 was 167,400,000 francs and the exports 53,900,000 francs, show- ing an adverse balance of 113,500,000 francs.

MR

Highways of France.

R. WILLIAM BALLANTINE, of Falkirk, Scotland, in The State, of Providence, R. I., gives an interesting account of the boulevards and avenues of Paris and the surrounding district:

"The roads in France suffer more from drought than from wet. They dry quickly after rain, and in order to shade and protect the surface from the dry heat of summer, the planting of trees on the sides of the roads has been largely adopted. As showing the importance that has been attached to this matter, royal decrees have been passed determining the manner of planting, the kind of trees to be used, and the penalties to be imposed on those who injure them. In the annual report of the engineers in the several departments notice ist made of the length of the roads planted, the number of trees and their condition. In the Department of the Seine and Marne, for example, the engineer reports that, in 1903, 388 kilometers of the national routes were planted, the number of trees being 100,306, and that 39 had been felled and sold. The trees generally used are Swiss poplars, acacias, elm, sycamore, Norway maple, etc.

"The beautiful boulevards and avenues of Paris are among the leading features of the city. They generally extend in straight lines, but at different angles, from many places,' or open spaces, and their broad carriage-ways, rows of trees, ample side promenades, and the excellent manner in which they are kept, greatly enhance the appearance of an otherwise gay and fashionable city.

"Wood is now the favorite paving in Paris. It makes the least noise, is easily cleaned, quickly renewed when worn out, and at most times has fairly good foothold for horses.

It is

"Wood is generally laid on the avenues open to the sun and wind, stone paving when there is much heavy wagon traffic, and asphalt on the narrow streets and lanes. The wood mostly used is pine wood, grown in the forests of France. delivered in deals at the city stores, where by special machinery it is cut up into blocks, the usual size being 6 inches deep by 9 inches by 3 inches. It is then passed through the creosoting tanks and stored to be ready for use. This paving is always laid on a concrete foundation 6 inches to 7 inches thick, truly finished to the desired convexity with fine cement. The surface of this foundation, as seen on the Rue de Temple, was floated, beautifully smooth and true, like a finished floor. The paving blocks are then laid hard on this surface (without any sand). The pavior, with a hatchet in his hand, deftly lifts the

blocks with it one by one, places them in position in a row, and so quickly does he do this that he almost walks, as it were, from side to side, completing a row as he goes. The blocks are spaced in the rows with thin strips of wood. When a few rows have been laid the strips are withdrawn and hot coal tar or pitch, to the depth of 1 inch, is poured in, simply for the purpose of steadying the blocks, which are then grouted up with fluid cement and fine sand (about half and half), until the joints are perfectly filled. The cement grout is used in preference to pitch, as it does not melt in hot weather and gives better foothold to the horses.

"While the quality of the wood used may not be so good as the Australian hard woods, still the pine blocks, if carefully selected, are found to wear well. It is the weak or defective blocks that first give way and cause the surface of a street to become uneven. Hence great care is taken to see that every block is sound before being laid, and so ensure as far as possible an equal wear on the street surface. A well laid wood pavement in the boulevards, where there is constant traffic, has been found to last from nine to ten years. When the blocks in a street have become worn and defaced they are lifted, the damaged edges pared off with a revolving cutter, and then turned upside down and relayed on the old concrete bed, but on this occasion with a layer of sand as a cushion for the worn surface of the block.'

reduction of the forested area of the country. Under every government, State forestry seems to have arisen to remedy existing evils induced by private or corporate use of the woodlands.

It is unfortunate that so long a period must elapse between the commencement of forestry operations and the realization of the good results which they are expected to produce, and that the injurious consequences in the meanwhile should be constantly increasing. For example, it is perfectly clear that the State of Pennsylvania is today paying the penalty for denuding our mountain sides of timber, and that this penalty will probably increase in severity for the next half century, in spite of restorative measures now in progress.

It needs no explanation whatever, or argument, to convince any thoughtful person that a wellconsidered, unchangeable plan is required for the development of a crop which requires a half century or more to produce, and that a time-serving policy would not only be detrimental, but absolutely fatal, to the work of forest restoration.

It is quite clear to those who have had the largest experience in dealing with these forestry problems that the State must undertake a similar work in training its foresters. They should be educated at the expense of the State, under such obligations for faithfulness and continued service on their part as may appear desirable. They should never be discharged except for cause, and should be promoted in the order of rank and efficiency. It is gratifying to say that Pennsyl

THE

Pennsylvania, 1903-04.

HE report from January 1, 1903, to June 1, 1904, was prepared by Dr. J. T. Rothrock, who was then Commissioner of Forestry, and from June 1st to December 31, 1904, by Mr. Robert S. Conklin, the present Commissioner.

This report shows at the close of Dr. Rothrock's administration a total of 549,565 acres had been acquired for forest reserves, while the purchases from June 1, 1904, to December 31, 1904, amounted to 105,972 acres, or a total of 655,537 acres. These lands lie in 23 counties, a general description of which is given on another page, having been kindly prepared by Mr. I. C. Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Forestry.

The report sets forth that State forestry is a matter of business and not of sentiment. It is commenced and continued because the most vital interests of the public demand it. Hitherto it has been resorted to only after serious damage has been done to the public interests by excessive

tion.

These foresters, educated at the expense of the State, would of course be supposed to enter into the service of the State. In the course of years, however, the number of foresters so trained would probably be in excess of those required for the care of the State lands. This would be no detriment to the State. The farm wood-lot and the care of larger tracts of land owned by individuals would receive scientific care and attention in proportion as the means for rendering such service were furnished, and these foresters, unemployed by the State, would nevertheless render important service in such duty.

State forestry will no doubt be the main help of the Commonwealth for the purpose of maintaining the wood supply, equalizing the flow of water, and other such services as woodland generally is known to render, but every acre of land devoted to forest will be a public benefit, and private enterprise may thus be counted upon to supplement the forestry work of the State.

Attention is called to the desirability of the