* For general bibliography, see [p. 4.]
Chapter VIII.
THE USE OF THE FOREST.
Man's relation to the forest has not been entirely destructive and injurious. He has exerted and is more and more exerting influences which while still enabling him to use the forest, also preserve and improve it. These activities may all be included under the term Forestry.
The objects of modern forestry then are threefold: 1. The utilization of the forest and its products, the main object; 2. The preservation of the forest, i.e., its continued reproduction; 3. The improvement of the forest.
UTILIZATION.
The uses of the forest are threefold: (1) Protective, (2) Productive, and (3) Esthetic.
(1) Protective. The forest may be used as a protection against floods, wind, shifting sand, heat, drought, etc. The National Forests of the United States, Fig. 119, with the state forests, which include one-fifth of the total forest area, are largely treated as "protection forests" to maintain the head waters of streams, Fig. 120, used for irrigation, for power or for commerce. The attempt now being made to reserve large areas in the White Mountains and southern Appalachians is chiefly for this purpose of protection.
Fig. 119. National Forests in the United States.