Excerpt from The Present and Future of Pennsylvania's Forests

It must be admitted that there is little ground for wonder that so many people have conceived the idea that natural restoration will 'occur oh the cut over and burned - over land when they can see a growth of some 'sort of trees coming on where a forest of valuable species had recently stood, or in assum ing that trees of the same species will be restored there in ample number and in as good condition as formerly. Feeling no particular interest in the matter they see little or no need to concern themselves and hence they do not investi gate conditions nor ascertain whether the species of trees they see there are of any worth as producers of useful. Forest products; or if so, whether they are sufficiently numerous and in such condition that they will ever become available for such purpose; while the real fact is that if they would investigate and, more over, should be possessed of an enlightened comprehension and understanding of what species of trees should be found there, and the number and character required to produce a valuable forest, they would see that, in the. Main, the stand they will find is practically worthless and wholly unfitted for such purpose.

To correct this wide-spread erroneous belief and unfortunate attitude of indifference, by showing actual conditions and requirements, coupled with suggestions of a course which should be pursued, is the task I have assigned myself; and in the performance of that task I will endeavor to be as concise as the importance of the subject will permit; but that importance demands the invasion of a pretty broad field. I shall aim to be conservative both in detailing conditions and in showing the necessity for prompt action; yet should the truth be disappointing will not hesitate to utter it, not believing, as did a prophet of old, that the people desire that only smooth things be said unto them when their interests demand the full facts; and I also will endeavor to set forth' such facts that all may see that what is said is purposive only and that purpose is the early restoration and succeeding perpetuity of the forests of the7 Past and Present Forest Area.

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