The Forests of Alaska.

• Main Author: Muir, John
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1897
• Subjects: Environmentalist; naturalist; travel; conservation; national parks; John Muir; history; pamphlets; journal articles; speeches; writing; annotation; Newfoundland; Alaska
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/jmb/241; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/context/jmb/article/1240/viewcontent/216.pdf

NOVEMBER i, 1897.] THE FORESTER. 129 rease of forest area are on the contrary not a debt, but capital well invested. From such a policy you may expect not only the most perfect protection, but in the end a considerable and from year to year increasing income. In regard to the comparative amounts expended in Switzerland for corrective works and afforestation, it must be remarked that if the outlay has not hitherto accomplished its purpose the authorities liould not be held responsible. Assist- mce is forthcoming whenever it is sought, and wherever forestation is indicated the necessity of undertaking it is invariably recommended, but I could give you countess examples of communities and corporations to whom the matter of subduing a torrent is a vital issue, who obstinately refuse to resort to cultures on their own ground and property, notwithstanding that most liberal appropriations are available for defraying the expenses. The cause of the evil lies in the en- sufficient enlightenment of the people as to the real interests of the country. It seems, therefore, an important and worthy undertaking for the Bern Forestry Society to start a propaganda for the forestation "f the collecting areas of our torrents, and 'or each member in his own neighborhood to work for the accomplishment of "us object. 'ote.—Appropriate resolutions closed Dr. Frauk- •itiser's able and inspiring address.—h$D. The axe of the woodman is to find Profitable employment in the forests of Ubrador. A party of prospectors and umber lookers returned to Halifax recently and gave glowing accounts of the Qrest resources of that country. It ap- s*ars that they had also looked over the , ;°rests of Newfoundland quite thorough- but found nothing there to equal what ;ftey had seen farther north. Plans have jjSen perfected for organizing an extensive .mbering operation, and the projectors *-eve they will be in shape to begin '•Pping lumber next spring. Very nattily the market for their stock will be \_uQd in England, for there is no other P"suming point ...